Bleomycin (Blenoxane)

Bleomycin is one of the older chemotherapy drugs which has been around and in use for many years. Once prepared for administration, Bleomycin is a clear and colorless liquid and is given by intravenous route only. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Testis

• Lymphomas

• Head and Neck cancer

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Bleomycin is normally given once a week. It can also be used for treatment of pleural effusion.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Bleomycin. Following are some of the most common and important ill effects:

• Lung damage is the most serious side effect of this medicine. It may present itself as shortness of breath or cough, after a few treatments with Bleomycin. Patients would have a series of lung function studies done, prior, during and after usage of Bleomycin

• Allergic reaction to medicine may occur is small number of patients.

• Skin Discoloration happens in most patients after a few months

It is imperative that patients would relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.