Bleomycin induced skin rashes- a case report

Abstract

Bleomycin is a cytotoxic glycopeptide derived from Streptomyces verticillus and is used in ABVD         (Adriamycin, Bleomycin, Vinblastine, Dacarbazine) chemotherapy regimen. Bleomycin is effective against several human cancers particularly lymphomas, testicular and ovarian germ cell tumors and squamous cell carcinoma. Pulmonary toxicity and skin toxicity are the major toxicities of bleomycin. The various dermatological adverse effects of bleomycin include flagellate dermatitis, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, palmoplantar desquamation, Raynaud’s phenomenon. The development of rash is independent of dose and route of administration. This is a case of 68 years male patient diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma who developed rashes after receiving bleomycin based chemotherapy. The patient responded well to the antihistamines, aloe Vera-calamine lotion and bleomycin was withheld from the subsequent chemotherapy cycles.

Keywords: Bleomycin, Skin toxicity, Hodgkin’s lymphoma.