Bleomycin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Cancerous cells are characterized by uncontrolled cell division. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells lose the ability to stop division. Drugs used in chemotherapy halts this division and kills cancer cells. Bleomycin interacts with cancerous cells and binds with the DNA, and inhibits cell synthesis by breaking DNA strands. It affects RNA and protein synthesis to a lesser degree; when the cells cannot divide, they die.

Bleomycin is administered via the parenteral route and is most quickly absorbed intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intraperitoneal, or intrapleural. Bleomycin reaches peak plasma concentration in 60 minutes, and the terminal half-life of the drug is around 3 hours, which varies based on patients and routes of administration. Mean plasma clearance approaching 70 mL/min/m2.

Yes, Bleomycin is a targeted therapy. Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets specific genes and proteins responsible for cancerous cell growth and survival. It affects the cells in different ways;

• Blocks or turn off signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide.
• Prevent the cells from living longer than average.
• Destroy cancer cells.

Redness, pain, swelling, and burning sensation on the injection site are expected immediately after the injection. The pain may persist for up to 72 hours and usually responds to NSAIDs. In case of prolonged irritation and other skin reactions, it is advisable to consult your oncologist.

Bleomycin belongs to the glycopeptide class of antibiotics, which has been shown to have antitumor activity; hence it is classified as an anticancer antibiotic and is used to treat cancer. Most antibiotic antitumor drugs are cell-cycle nonspecific except Bleomycin which shows significant effects in G2 and M phases.

Bleomycin's primary mechanism of action is to oxidatively damage DNA by binding to metal ions, including iron, and forming metallic bleomycin complexes. It is believed that Bleomycin chelates metal ions to produce a pseudo-enzyme that reacts with the oxygen-producing superoxide and hydroxyl free radicals that cleave DNA. At higher concentrations, RNA and protein synthesis is also suppressed. A combined effect is attributed to its antineoplastic activity inhibiting the cell's uncontrolled cell division.

Yes, Bleomycin is used in combination as palliative therapy for the treatment of malignant neoplasms. Due to its life-threatening associated risks, side effects, and lung toxicity its is advised to consult your doctor before using Bleomycin. In cases of pre-existing lung issues and predisposition to severe lung problems in older patients, receiving higher doses can be life-threatening. Physician opinion is advised.

There are no studies of Bleomycin alone, but a few case reports suggest exposure to Bleomycin in the presence of concurrent therapy with putative carcinogens such as ionizing radiation, alkylating agents, and other onco-therapeutic drugs may contribute to carcinogenic effects. While the studies still don't suggest a definitive answer, Bleomycin has shown chromosomal aberration in vitro.

Bleomycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the class of Glycopeptide. Due to its antineoplastic activity, it is administered in anti-cancer treatment as a part of palliative care.

Due to its toxic effects on the lungs, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using Bleomycin. In patients with existing lung issues, it can exacerbate and can also cause pulmonary fibrosis in rare cases.

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