Bleomycin

Bleomycin is an anti-cancer agent. It is a glycosylated linear nonribosomal peptide antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus. It acts by induction of DNA strand breaks and is used in the treatment of lymphomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and testicular cancer as well as pleurodesis.

Some studies suggest that bleomycin also inhibits incorporation of thymidine into DNA strands.

Its use is limited by the increased risk of pulmonary fibrosis. Other side-effects include fever, rash, hyperpigmentation and alopecia.