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Bleomycin Sulfate (BLM)
Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutic antibiotic that binds to DNA and causes strand breaks, leading to cell death.
Bleomycin is a chemotherapeutic antibiotic that binds to DNA and causes strand breaks, leading to cell death. Used for Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Testicular cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | Bleomycin Sulfate (BLM) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Blenoxane, BLM |
| Sponsor | M.D. Anderson Cancer Center |
| Drug class | Chemotherapeutic antibiotic |
| Target | DNA |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Bleomycin intercalates into DNA and forms complexes with metal ions (particularly iron and copper) that generate reactive oxygen species and cause double-strand breaks. This results in inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell division, making it effective against rapidly dividing cancer cells. It is used primarily in combination chemotherapy regimens for various malignancies.
Approved indications
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Testicular cancer
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Common side effects
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Myelosuppression
- Mucositis
- Alopecia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin toxicity/hyperpigmentation
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- Brentuximab Vedotin and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Children and Young Adults With Stage IIB, Stage IIIB, IVA, or IVB Hodgkin Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- Electrochemotherapy of Posterior Resection Surface for Lowering Disease Recurrence Rate in Pancreatic Cancer (PanECT Study) (NA)
- Primary RPLND Versus Systemic Chemotherapy in Good-prognosis Metastatic Testicular Cancer (NA)
- A Study to Compare Standard Therapy to Treat Hodgkin Lymphoma to the Use of Two Drugs, Brentuximab Vedotin and Nivolumab (PHASE3)
- Electrochemotherapy for Recurrent Vulvar Cancer (PHASE2)
- A Frontline Therapy Trial in Participants With Advanced Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (PHASE3)
- Active Surveillance, Bleomycin, Etoposide, Carboplatin or Cisplatin in Treating Pediatric and Adult Patients With Germ Cell Tumors (PHASE3)
- Pediatric Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Consortium Study: cHOD17 (PHASE2)
Primary sources
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| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |