Alkylating agents are a class of chemotherapy drugs that work by adding an alkyl group to the DNA of cancer cells. This process damages the DNA, preventing the cells from dividing and growing. They are commonly used to treat various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer. These agents can be effective but may also affect healthy cells, leading to side effects such as nausea, hair loss, and increased risk of infection. Some well-known alkylating agents include cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, which are often used in combination with other treatments to enhance their effectiveness.