Final answer:
Alkylating agents are effective in treating blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma by altering the DNA in cancer cells and hindering their proliferation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Alkylating agents are a class of chemotherapy drugs that are particularly effective against various types of cancers, one of which includes cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma. These agents work by altering the structure of the DNA in cancer cells, effectively inhibiting their ability to reproduce. Blood cancers are characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal blood cells which disrupt normal blood functions, such as fighting infections or preventing bleeding.
There are several groups of alkylating agents, including nitrogen mustards and nitrosureas, among others. Cyclophosphamide is a well-known example of an alkylating agent that requires activation through the body's metabolism. Due to the nature of blood cancers, where the production and function of blood cells are impacted, alkylating agents can be particularly effective in treating these diseases.