Bleomycin

Bleomycin: Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Overview

• Although bleomycin is an antibiotic, its cytotoxicity makes it ineffective as an antibacterial agent. DNA cleavage is caused, which stops cell multiplication.

Uses of Bleomycin

• Used in veterinary electro-chemotherapy and intralesionally in canine acanthomatous ameloblastoma and melanoma.
• Used in teratomas, thyroid tumors, oral squamous carcinoma, and canine and feline lymphomas.

Dose of Bleomycin in Dogs and Cats

Dogs:

0.3–0.5 IU/kg s.c. or i.m. once weekly (note there is a very narrow safety margin ).

A total cumulative dose of 125–250 mg/m2 should not be exceeded to reduce the risk of pulmonary toxicity.

Cats:

Doses as for dogs.

Side Effects of Bleomycin in Dogs and Cats

• Dermatopathies, conjunctivitis, stomatitis, pyrexia, elevated liver enzyme activity, nephrotoxicity.
• Gastrointestinal toxicity (such as anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea).
• Pulmonary toxicity, which can cause pulmonary fibrosis or pneumonitis.
• Myelosuppression is uncommon yet possible, unlike with many other cytotoxic medicines.

Contraindications of Bleomycin in Dogs and Cats

• Patients with known hypersensitivity to bleomycin.
• Patients with pre-existing pulmonary disease.
• Do not use in patients with pre-existing bone marrow suppression.
• Should be used with caution in patients with reduced renal function.

Some Notes:

• Patients who have previously been exposed to bleomycin should use general anesthesia with extremely caution.
• Bleomycin toxicity may worsen if radiotherapy or other chemotherapy medications have been used previously or concurrently.