bleomycin hydrochloride

Bleomycin hydrochloride is a cytotoxic glycopeptide antibiotic salt derived from *Streptomyces verticillus*. It functions primarily as an antineoplastic agent and a sclerosing agent. Its mechanism of action involves the formation of a complex with metal ions (primarily iron) and oxygen, which binds to DNA and generates free radicals. These radicals induce single- and double-strand breaks in the deoxyribose backbone, leading to the inhibition of DNA synthesis, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. While traditionally used systemically for malignancies such as squamous cell carcinomas, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, and testicular cancer, it is also utilized locally. In the treatment of symptomatic polycystic liver disease (PLD), bleomycin hydrochloride is administered via superselective transcatheter hepatic artery embolization (TAE) as a sclerosing agent to induce cyst regression and alleviate symptoms.

Brand names

Bleocin

Other names

bleomycin HClbleomycin A2 hydrochloridebleomycin B2 hydrochloride