Busulfan

/bjuːˈsʌlfən/ noun

Definition

A chemotherapy drug used to treat certain cancers and blood disorders, particularly in preparing patients for bone marrow transplants.

Etymology

A synthetic compound created through chemical nomenclature; 'busulfan' is a proprietary name (brand name Myleran) for the chemical 1,4-butanediol dimethanesulfonate, developed in the mid-20th century.

Kelly Says

Busulfan was discovered in the 1950s and remains one of the few chemotherapy drugs that can truly destroy bone marrow, making it essential for transplant medicine despite its severe side effects—a reminder that powerful medicine demands careful balance.

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