Chemotherapy teratogenicity

Mailing to Sobels (October 1970), EMS. Ethyl methanesulfonate and methyl methane-sulfonate were standard alkylating agents used in routine chemical mutagenesis research. Cyclophosphamide, a known teratogen, was a compound used in cancer chemotherapy. 

Thalidomide was initially launched as a sedative/hypnotic drug (Fig. 1.13), but withdrawn because of its extreme teratogenicity. However, under restricted conditions (no administration during pregnancy, or to any woman of childbearing age), it found a new use as an immunomodulator. Thalidomide seems particularly effective in the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum, a possible complication of the chemotherapy of leprosy [23]. 

Lamont EB, Schilsky RL. Gonadal toxicity and teratogenicity after cytotoxic chemotherapy. In Lipp HP, editor. Anticancer Drug Toxicity Prevention, Management and Clinical Pharmacokinetics. New York-Basel Marcel Dekker Inc, 1999 491-523. 

According to the FDA classification, the potential therapeutic benefits of vinca alkaloids have to be outweighed with the potential teratogenic risks (FDA classification D). All women of childbearing potential should be advised to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving cytotoxic cancer chemotherapy (80). 

LDjo (rat, ipr) > 2000 mg/kg. Exp. reprod., fetotoxic and teratogenic effects. Fatalities reported when used in combination anticancer chemotherapies. UV9009810... 

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