Bleomycin

Excerpt

Bleomycin has approval for adult use in treating squamous cell cancer of head and neck regions, Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular carcinoma. It is also used as a sclerosing agent for malignant pleural effusions. Off-label use includes treatment of germ cell tumors and pediatric Hodgkin's lymphoma. Bleomycin is in the cytotoxic chemotherapy class of medications. This activity describes the indications, action, and contraindications for bleomycin as a valuable agent in treating various malignant cancers. This activity will highlight the mechanism of action, adverse event profile, and other key factors (e.g., off-label uses, dosing, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, monitoring, relevant interactions) pertinent for members of the interprofessional team in the treatment of patients with various cancers.