Bleomycin
Definition and meaning of Bleomycin in chemistry.
Bleomycin (BLM) is a glycopeptide antibiotic and chemotherapy drug that intercalates into DNA to damage cancer cells and trigger programmed cell death.
In more detail
Bleomycin binds directly to DNA and causes double-strand breaks, which makes it effective against rapidly dividing cells in cancer treatment. It is commonly used to treat testicular cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and squamous cell carcinomas, often as part of combination chemotherapy regimens. The drug has significant side effects, particularly pulmonary fibrosis (scarring of lung tissue), which can develop months or years after treatment and limits lifetime dosage.
Key facts
| Chemical formula | C55H84N24O21S3 |
|---|---|
| Field | Biochemistry |
| Drug class | Glycopeptide antibiotic / Antineoplastic agent |
| Mechanism | DNA intercalation and strand breakage |
Bleomycin is a key component of the BEP regimen for testicular cancer: Bleomycin, Etoposide, and Cisplatin given together to maximize cancer cell death while managing toxicity.
Frequently asked questions
How does bleomycin kill cancer cells?
Bleomycin intercalates between DNA base pairs and induces double-strand breaks, triggering apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells that cannot repair the damage.
What is the most serious side effect of bleomycin therapy?
Pulmonary fibrosis, progressive scarring of lung tissue, is dose-limiting and can occur months to years after treatment, sometimes causing permanent respiratory impairment.