Abstract
One unexpected and beneficial by-product of World War II is a method of chemotherapy of cancer that undoubtedly is here to stay, at least for some years. When, early in World War II, it became known that the nitrogenous analogues of mustard gas were under consideration as possible warfare agent, the Chemical Warfare Service set about producing them in quantity and studying their effects intensively. It was soon noted that not only are the nitrogen mustards [Methylbis (B-chloroethyl) amine hydrochloride] strong vesicants, but that their systemic absorption in animals results in toxic actions in tissues, generally in proportion to the degree of rapidity of cellular growth in those tissues. Particularly subject to damage are the lymphoid tissues of the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes, the bone marrow, and the intestinal mucosa. These agents, according to Gilman, appear to exert their effects on cells in a manner unlike that of any other chemical agent, but bearing many resemblances to the action of x-rays. Accordingly, clinical investigation was begun and the first patient was treated late in 19h2 at the New Haven Hospital by Lindskog (1).