Bleomycin is an anti-neoplastic antibiotic used in cancers like Hodgkin’s lymphoma by inducing DNA strand breaks in cancer cells.
Structure of Bleomycin
- It is a glycopeptide antibiotic comprising a metal-binding domain and a bithiazole ring, linked to a glycosidic sugar moiety.
- Chemical Formula: C₅₇H₇₉N₁₂O₂₉S₆
Mode of Action
- DNA Scission: Induces single and double-strand breaks in DNA.
- Chelation of Iron: Forms complexes with iron, generating free radicals that damage DNA.
- Apoptosis Induction: Leads to programmed cell death in cancerous cells.
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Uses
- Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Often part of ABVD regimen (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine).
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: In specific treatment protocols.
- Testicular Cancer: Particularly seminomas.
- Head and Neck Cancers: As part of multi-agent chemotherapy.
- Breast Cancer: In combination with other chemotherapeutic agents.
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