(blee oh MYE sin)
Head and neck cancers: Treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck
Hodgkin lymphoma: Treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma
Malignant pleural effusion: Sclerosing agent for malignant pleural effusion
Testicular cancer: Treatment of testicular cancer
Hypersensitivity to bleomycin or any component of the formulation
It is recommended that bleomycin be administered under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents. Appropriate management of therapy and complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.
Pulmonary toxicity:Pulmonary fibrosis is the most severe toxicity associated with bleomycin. The most frequent presentation is pneumonitis occasionally progressing to pulmonary fibrosis. Its occurrence is higher in elderly patients and in those receiving more than 400 units total dose, but pulmonary toxicity has been observed in young patients and those treated with low doses.
Idiosyncratic reaction:A severe idiosyncratic reaction consisting of hypotension, mental confusion, fever, chills, and wheezing has been reported in approximately 1% of lymphoma patients treated with bleomycin.
Note: The risk for pulmonary toxicity increases with age >70 years and cumulative lifetime dose of >400 units. International considerations: Dosages below expressed as USP units; 1 USP unit = 1 mg (by potency) = 1,000 international units (Stefanou 2001). During shortages within the US, temporary importation of international products may be allowed by the FDA. The imported bleomycin vial and product labeling may express strength and dosing as international units instead of USP units.
Hodgkin lymphoma (off-label dosing): IV:
ABVD regimen: 10 units/m2 days 1 and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) (Straus 2004)
BEACOPP regimen: 10 units/m2 day 8 of a 21-day treatment cycle (in combination with etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone) (Dann 2007, Diehl 2003)
Stanford V regimen: 5 units/m2/dose in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 (in combination with mechlorethamine, vinblastine, vincristine, doxorubicin, etoposide, and prednisone) (Horning 2002; Horning 2000)
Test dose for lymphoma patients: IM, IV, SubQ: Due to the possibility of an anaphylactoid reaction, the manufacturer recommends administering 1 to 2 units of bleomycin before the first 1 to 2 doses; monitor vital signs every 15 minutes; wait a minimum of 1 hour before administering remainder of dose; if no acute reaction occurs, then the regular dosage schedule may be followed. Note: Test doses may not be predictive of a reaction (Lam 2005) and/or may produce false-negative results.
Testicular cancer (off-label dosing): IV: BEP regimen: 30 units/dose days 1, 8, and 15 of a 21-day treatment cycle for 4 cycles (in combination with etoposide and cisplatin) (Culine 2008, Nichols 1998)
Malignant pleural effusion: Intrapleural: 60 units as a single instillation; mix in 50 to 100 mL of NS
Ovarian germ cell cancer (off-label use): BEP regimen: IV: 30 units/dose days 1, 8, and 15 of a 21-day treatment cycle for 3 cycles (in combination with etoposide and cisplatin) (Williams 1994) or 15 units/m2 day 1 of a 21-day treatment cycle for 4 cycles (in combination with etoposide and cisplatin) (Cushing 2004)
Refer to adult dosing. The incidence of pulmonary toxicity is higher in patients >70 years of age.
Note: The risk for pulmonary toxicity increases with cumulative lifetime dose of >400 units. International considerations: Dosages below expressed as USP units; 1 USP unit = 1 mg (by potency) = 1,000 international units (Stefanou 2001). During shortages within the US, temporary importation of international products may be allowed by the FDA. The imported bleomycin vial and product labeling may express strength and dosing as international units instead of USP units.
Hodgkin lymphoma (off-label use): IV: ABVD regimen: 10 units/m2 days 1 and 15 of a 28-day treatment cycle (in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) (Hutchinson 1998)
Test dose for lymphoma patients: IM, IV, SubQ: Due to the possibility of an anaphylactoid reaction, the manufacturer recommends administering 1 to 2 units of bleomycin before the first 1 to 2 doses; monitor vital signs every 15 minutes; wait a minimum of 1 hour before administering remainder of dose; if no acute reaction occurs, then the regular dosage schedule may be followed. Note: Test doses may not be predictive of a reaction (Lam 2005) and/or may produce false-negative results.
Germ cell tumors, malignant (off-label use): Children ≥1 year and Adolescents: IV: BEP regimen: 15 units/m2 on day 1 of a 21-day treatment cycle (in combination with etoposide and cisplatin) for 4 cycles (Cushing 2004)
Manufacturers labeling (creatinine clearance should be estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula):
CrCl ≥50 mL/minute: No dosage adjustment necessary.
CrCl 40 to 50 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 70% of normal dose
CrCl 30 to 40 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 60% of normal dose
CrCl 20 to 30 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 55% of normal dose
CrCl 10 to 20 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 45% of normal dose
CrCl 5 to 10 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 40% of normal dose
The following adjustments have also been recommended:
Aronoff 2007: Adults: Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT): Reduce dose to 75% of normal dose
Kintzel, 1995: Adults:
CrCl 46 to 60 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 70% of normal dose
CrCl 31 to 45 mL/minute: Reduce dose to 60% of normal dose
CrCl <30 mL/minute: Consider use of alternative drug
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer 's labeling (has not been studied); however, adjustment for hepatic impairment is not necessary (King, 2001).
Note: During shortages within the US, temporary importation of international products may be allowed by the FDA. Refer to specific product labeling for reconstitution and preparation information.
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]). For IV use, reconstitute 15-unit vial with 5 mL with NS and the 30-unit vial with 10 mL NS; for IM or SubQ use, reconstitute 15-unit vial with 1 to 5 mL of SWFI, BWFI, or NS and the 30-unit vial with 2 to 10 mL of SWFI, BWFI, or NS. For intrapleural use, mix in 50 to 100 mL of NS.
IV doses should be administered slowly over 10 minutes (according to the manufacturer 's labeling).
IM or SubQ: May cause pain at injection site
Intrapleural: 60 units in 50 to 100 mL NS; use of topical anesthetics or opioid analgesia is usually not necessary
Hazardous agent; use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Store intact vials at 2 ‚ °C to 8 ‚ °C (36 ‚ °F to 46 ‚ °F). Stable for 24 hours in NS at room temperature.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution Reconstituted, Injection:
Generic: 15 units (1 ea); 30 units (1 ea)
Solution Reconstituted, Injection [preservative free]:
Generic: 15 units (1 ea); 30 units (1 ea)
Stable in NS
BCG (Intravesical): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of BCG (Intravesical). Avoid combination
Brentuximab Vedotin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Bleomycin. Specifically, the risk for pulmonary toxicity may be increased. Avoid combination
Coccidioides immitis Skin Test: Immunosuppressants may diminish the diagnostic effect of Coccidioides immitis Skin Test. Monitor therapy
Denosumab: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Specifically, the risk for serious infections may be increased. Monitor therapy
Echinacea: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Filgrastim: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Bleomycin. Specifically, the risk for pulmonary toxicity may be increased. Monitor therapy
Fingolimod: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Fingolimod. Management: Avoid the concomitant use of fingolimod and other immunosuppressants when possible. If combined, monitor patients closely for additive immunosuppressant effects (eg, infections). Consider therapy modification
Gemcitabine: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Bleomycin. The risk of pulmonary toxicity may be increased. Consider therapy modification
Leflunomide: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Leflunomide. Specifically, the risk for hematologic toxicity such as pancytopenia, agranulocytosis, and/or thrombocytopenia may be increased. Management: Consider not using a leflunomide loading dose in patients receiving other immunosuppressants. Patients receiving both leflunomide and another immunosuppressant should be monitored for bone marrow suppression at least monthly. Consider therapy modification
Lenograstim: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Bleomycin. Specifically, the risk for pulmonary toxicity may be increased. Bleomycin may diminish the therapeutic effect of Lenograstim. Management: Avoid the use of lenograstim 24 hours before until 24 hours after the completion of bleomycin infusion. Additionally, monitor patients more closely for signs/symptoms of bleomycin pulmonary toxicity when used with lenograstim (G-CSF). Consider therapy modification
Natalizumab: Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Natalizumab. Specifically, the risk of concurrent infection may be increased. Avoid combination
Nivolumab: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Nivolumab. Consider therapy modification
Phenytoin: Bleomycin may decrease the serum concentration of Phenytoin. Monitor therapy
Pimecrolimus: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Roflumilast: May enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Immunosuppressants. Consider therapy modification
Sargramostim: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Bleomycin. Specifically, the risk for pulmonary toxicity may be increased. Monitor therapy
Sipuleucel-T: Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Sipuleucel-T. Monitor therapy
Tacrolimus (Topical): May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Tofacitinib: Immunosuppressants may enhance the immunosuppressive effect of Tofacitinib. Management: Concurrent use with antirheumatic doses of methotrexate or nonbiologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) is permitted, and this warning seems particularly focused on more potent immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Trastuzumab: May enhance the neutropenic effect of Immunosuppressants. Monitor therapy
Vaccines (Inactivated): Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Inactivated). Management: Vaccine efficacy may be reduced. Complete all age-appropriate vaccinations at least 2 weeks prior to starting an immunosuppressant. If vaccinated during immunosuppressant therapy, revaccinate at least 3 months after immunosuppressant discontinuation. Consider therapy modification
Vaccines (Live): Immunosuppressants may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Vaccines (Live). Immunosuppressants may diminish the therapeutic effect of Vaccines (Live). Management: Avoid use of live organism vaccines with immunosuppressants; live-attenuated vaccines should not be given for at least 3 months after immunosuppressants. Avoid combination
Pulmonary function tests, including total lung volume, forced vital capacity, diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide; vital capacity, total lung capacity and pulmonary capillary blood volume may be better indicators of changes induced by bleomycin (Sleifjer 2001); forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO]) were performed prior to treatment, before each chemotherapy cycle, and then repeated at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years during follow up for testicular cancer patients receiving bleomycin (Lauritsen 2016); chest x-ray, renal function, liver function, signs/symptoms of hypersensitivity; temperature initially; check body weight at regular intervals
Frequency not always defined. The pathogenesis of respiratory adverse effects is not certain, but may be due to damage of pulmonary, vascular, or connective tissue. Response to steroid therapy is variable and somewhat controversial.
>10%:
Cardiovascular: Phlebitis
Central nervous system: Tumor pain
Dermatologic: Hyperpigmentation (50%), atrophic striae ( ≤50%), erythema ( ≤50%), exfoliation of the skin ( ≤50%; particularly on the palmar and plantar surfaces of the hands and feet), hyperkeratosis ( ≤50%), localized vesiculation ( ≤50%), skin rash ( ≤50%), skin sclerosis ( ≤50%), alopecia (may be dose-related and reversible with discontinuation), nailbed changes (may be dose-related and reversible with discontinuation)
Endocrine & metabolic: Weight loss
Gastrointestinal: Stomatitis ( ≤30%), mucositis ( ≤30%), anorexia
Miscellaneous: Febrile reaction (25% to 50%; acute)
1% to 10%:
Dermatologic: Onycholysis, pruritus, thickening of skin
Hypersensitivity: Anaphylactoid reaction (including chills, confusion, fever, hypotension, wheezing; onset may be immediate or delayed for several hours)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Scleroderma (diffuse)
Respiratory: Tachypnea ( ≤5% to 10%), rales ( ≤5% to 10%), interstitial pneumonitis (acute or chronic: ≤5% to 10%), pulmonary fibrosis ( ≤5% to 10%), hypoxia (1%)
Miscellaneous: Adverse drug effect (idiosyncratic reaction: 1% in lymphoma patients)
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Angioedema, bone marrow depression (rare), cerebrovascular accident, cerebral arteritis, chest pain, coronary artery disease, hepatotoxicity, hyperpigmentation (flagellate), ischemic heart disease, malaise, myocardial infarction, nausea, nephrotoxicity, pericarditis, Raynaud 's phenomenon, scleroderma-like skin changes, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, toxic epidermal necrolysis, vomiting
The half-life increases exponentially as CrCl decreases.
Children younger than 3 years have a higher total body clearance than adults.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Hepatotoxicity: May cause hepatic toxicity.
- Idiosyncratic reaction: [US Boxed Warning]: A severe idiosyncratic reaction consisting of hypotension, mental confusion, fever, chills, and wheezing (similar to anaphylaxis) has been reported in 1% of lymphoma patients treated with bleomycin. Since these reactions usually occur after the first or second dose, careful monitoring is essential after these doses.
- Pulmonary toxicity: [US Boxed Warning]: Occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis (commonly presenting as pneumonitis; occasionally progressing to pulmonary fibrosis) is the most severe toxicity. Risk is higher in elderly patients or patients receiving >400 units total lifetime dose; other possible risk factors include smoking and patients with prior radiation therapy or receiving concurrent oxygen (especially high inspired oxygen doses). A review of patients receiving bleomycin for the treatment of germ cell tumors suggests risk for pulmonary toxicity is increased in patients >40 years of age, with glomerular filtration rate <80 mL/minute, advanced disease, and cumulative doses >300 units (O 'Sullivan 2003). Pulmonary toxicity may include bronchiolitis obliterans and organizing pneumonia (BOOP), eosinophilic hypersensitivity, and interstitial pneumonitis, progressing to pulmonary fibrosis (Sleijfer 2001); pulmonary toxicity may be due to a lack of the enzyme which inactivates bleomycin (bleomycin hydrolase) in the lungs (Morgan 2011; Sleijfer 2001), If pulmonary changes occur, withhold treatment and investigate if drug-related. In a study of patients with testicular cancer receiving bleomycin as part of the BEP regimen, pulmonary function testing (including forced vital capacity [FVC], forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1], and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide [DLCO]) was performed prior to treatment, before each chemotherapy cycle, and then repeated at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years during follow up; if the carbon monoxide diffusing capacity corrected for hemoglobin content [DLCOc] decreased more than 25% during therapy (compared with baseline), bleomycin was discontinued to avoid further pulmonary toxicity (Lauritsen 2016).
- Renal toxicity: May cause renal toxicity.
Disease-related concerns:
- Hodgkin lymphoma: Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) may have a role in determining early response to therapy in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma; a negative interim PET/CT result after 2 cycles may indicate that bleomycin can be safely omitted from the ABVD treatment regimen (Johnson 2016). Longer follow-up is necessary to determine the effect of bleomycin omission on long-term morbidity and mortality in these patients.
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment (CrCl <50 mL/minute), may require dose adjustment.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Pediatric: In children, a younger age at treatment, cumulative dose ≥400 units/m2 (combined with chest irradiation), and renal impairment are associated with a higher incidence of pulmonary toxicity (Huang, 2011).
Special handling:
- Hazardous agent: Use appropriate precautions for handling and disposal (NIOSH 2014 [group 1]).
Other warnings/precautions:
- Experienced physician: [US Boxed Warning]: Should be administered under the supervision of an experienced cancer chemotherapy physician.
- International issues: Some products available internationally may have vial strength and dosing expressed as international units or milligrams (instead of units or USP units). During shortages within the US, temporary importation of international products may be allowed by the FDA. The imported bleomycin vial and product labeling may express strength and dosing as international units instead of USP units. One USP unit of bleomycin = 1 mg (by potency) = 1,000 international units (Stefanou 2001). Refer to prescribing information for specific dosing information.
- O2 during surgery: Use caution when administering O2 during surgery to patients who have received bleomycin; the risk of bleomycin-related pulmonary toxicity is increased.
D
Adverse effects were observed in animal reproduction studies. According to the manufacturer, women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during bleomycin treatment. The European Society for Medical Oncology has published guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of cancer during pregnancy; the guidelines recommend referral to a facility with expertise in cancer during pregnancy and encourage a multidisciplinary team (obstetrician, neonatologist, oncology team). In general, if chemotherapy is indicated, it should be avoided in the first trimester and there should be a 3-week time period between the last chemotherapy dose and anticipated delivery, and chemotherapy should not be administered beyond week 33 of gestation (Peccatori 2013). When multiagent therapy is needed to treat Hodgkin lymphoma during pregnancy, bleomycin (as a component of the ABVD [doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine] regimen) may be used, starting with the second trimester (Follows 2014; Peccatori 2013).
Inhibits synthesis of DNA; binds to DNA leading to single- and double-strand breaks; also inhibits (to a lesser degree) RNA and protein synthesis
IM, SubQ, and intrapleural administration: 100%, 70%, and 45%, respectively, of IV serum concentrations
Vd: IV: 17.5 L/m2
Enzymatic inactivation by bleomycin hydrolase, a cytosolic cysteine proteinase enzyme; bleomycin hydrolase is widely distributed in normal tissues (except for the skin and lungs)
Urine (~65% [IV], 40% [Intrapleural])
Serum: IM, SubQ, Intrapleural: 30 to 60 minutes
Terminal: IV: 2 hours
1%
- Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)
- Patient may experience change in skin or nails, weight loss, lack of appetite, alopecia, or loss of strength and energy. Have patient report immediately to prescriber signs of a severe pulmonary disorder (lung or breathing problems like trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or a cough that is new or worse), signs of liver problems (dark urine, feeling tired, lack of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, light-colored stools, vomiting, or yellow skin or eyes), signs of kidney problems (urinary retention, blood in urine, change in amount of urine passed, weight gain), signs of severe cerebrovascular disease (change in strength on one side is greater than the other, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, or change in eyesight), chills, illogical thinking, severe dizziness, passing out, angina, severe mouth irritation, severe skin irritation, or injection site edema or irritation (HCAHPS).
- Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.
Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for healthcare professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating and advising patients.