One of the older chemotherapy drugs currently in widespread use, bleomycin was first discovered in 1966 by Japanese scientists, and much of the early research done on bleomycin's anticancer activity was carried out in Japanese laboratories. The drug is produced by the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus.
Bleomycin profile
- Class: Antitumor glycopeptide antibiotic
- Mechanism of action: Bleomycin works chiefly by causing breaks in the DNA strands within the cell.
- Treatment type: Chemotherapy
- US approval: 1973
- Synonyms: Blenoxane, Bleo
- FDA Use-in-Pregnancy Rating: Category D
What Bleomycin is effective for and why
Bleomycin has been a major player in chemotherapy, both by itself and in combination regimens for almost four decades. It has applications in several cancers, including
Hodgkins lymphoma,
cervical cancer,
testicular cancer,
penile cancer,
squamous cell carcinomas, some
non-Hodgkins lymphomas,
esophageal cancer, and
melanoma, to name a few. It is also part of the combination regimens
ABVD,
Stanford V,
MACOP-B, and
BEACOPP.
Bleomycin side effects: Overview
While each patient will have his or her own experiences with the side effects of bleomycin, it is not uncommon for patients to endure fever, chills, rash, anorexia, shortness of breath, sudden chest pains, or mouth sores. Most of these side effects should subside when one is finished with receiving bleomycin. Patients are encouraged to report all side effects to their oncologist or oncology team.
Beyond these side effects, bleomycin's considerable toxicity to the lungs, such as reversible and irreversible fibrosis, is well-known and well-documented. Patients with prior renal impairment are also cautioned about receiving bleomycin.
Sources
- Boyiadzis, Michael M. et al. Hematology-Oncology Therapy. 2007. New York: McGraw Hill, Medical Publishing Division.
- Guide to Cancer Drugs, American Cancer Society
- Cancer Drug Manual, BC Cancer Agency
- Perry, Michael C, Editor. Companion Handbook to the Chemotherapy Sourcebook. 1999. Baltimore; Williams & Wilkins.
- Drugs.com: Bleomycin
Significant studies relating to Bleomycin
