Bleomycin and the skin

Br J Dermatol. 2006 Nov;155(5):869-75. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07474.x.

Abstract

Bleomycin is frequently used as a chemotherapeutic agent to treat various kinds of malignancy. However, the cytotoxic effects of bleomycin cause a number of adverse responses, in particular in the lung and the skin. Bleomycin is used by dermatologists as a treatment for various skin cancers, recalcitrant warts, keloid and hypertrophic scars. This article discusses the use of bleomycin for various skin disorders, as well as the risk factors and cutaneous side-effects resulting from its use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects*
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / therapeutic use
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects*
  • Bleomycin / therapeutic use
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Eruptions / etiology
  • Humans
  • Risk Factors
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Bleomycin