Bleomycin is a chemotherapy agent used to treat various malignancies, including head and neck malignancy, lymphoma, and testicular tumors, among others. A complex of related glycopeptide antibiotics from Streptomyces verticillus consisting of bleomycin A2 and B2 (B2 CAS # 9060-10-0).
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Although the exact mechanism of action of bleomycin is unknown, available evidence would seem to indicate that the main mode of action is the inhibition of DNA synthesis with some evidence of lesser inhibition of RNA and protein synthesis. As evident in in vitro studies, the DNA-cleaving actions of bleomycin is dependent on oxygen and metal ions. It is believed that bleomycin chelates metal ions (primarily iron) producing a pseudoenzyme that reacts with oxygen to produce superoxide and hydroxide free radicals that cleave DNA.
- Primary indication
- For palliative treatment in the management malignant neoplasm (trachea, bronchus, lung), squamous cell carcinoma, and lymphomas.Curator reviewed · 7 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C55H84N17O21S3 · 1415.552 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2011 · United States, 2000
- Also known as
- Bleocin · Bleomicin
- Code names
- NSC-125066
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Bleomycin, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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