Nitrogen Mustard (HN2) Toxicity: Comparison of Effects of Administration by the Systemic Venous and Intraperitoneal Routes

Introduction  Nitrogen mustard [HN₂, methyl bis (β-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride] has been used at the time of operation for cancer in an attempt to decrease the incidence of cancer recurrence.¹ Its effectiveness as an adjunct has not definitely been established, and at present there is still need for developing safe methods of administration. Cole gave the drug by a combination of the intraportal, intraperitoneal, and systemic venous routes to patients with gastrointestinal cancer. In patients with cancer outside the abdomen, 0.2 mg HN₂/kg body weight was given into a systemic vein at the time of operation, and 0.1 mg HN₂/kg by the same route on each of the 2 subsequent days. None of the drug was given to patients over 70 years of age, and the maximal dose given to any patient was 30 mg. It was found that the period of hospitalization was increased