Bleomycin (Blenoxane)
General information
Class/mechanism: Exact mechanism unknown, but suspected to inhibit DNA synthesis, with some evidence inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis. When administered intrapleurally for malignant pleural effusion, bleomycin acts as a sclerosing agent.[1]
Route: IV, IM, SC, intrapleural
Extravasation: irritant
- 1 unit of bleomycin = 1 mg of bleomycin
For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, Medscape, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.[1]
Diseases for which it is used
- Basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer
- Bone cancer
- Cancer of Unknown Primary
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Testicular cancer
Patient drug information
- Bleomycin (Blenoxane) patient drug information (Chemocare)[2]
- Bleomycin (Blenoxane) patient drug information (UpToDate)[3]