bleomycin

Discovered in 1966 by the Japanese scientist Hamao Umezawa, Bleomycin is a medication used to treat cancer, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and cervical cancer among others. In case you’re wondering how exactly this drug works inside the body, it technically binds to the cancer cells’ DNA so that the cells can't divide or grow. It also causes free radicals to be made inside the body. It is worth mentioning that free radicals are overactive oxygen atoms that damage DNA. Typically, Bleomycin is often used alongside other chemotherapy drugs as part of combination chemotherapy treatments. As for the drug’s common side effects, they include fever, weight loss, vomiting, and rash. Additionally, Bleomycin may also cause inflammation of the lungs that can result in lung scarring. Therefore, chest X-rays every couple of weeks are recommended to check for this. Additionally, this medication may cause harm to the baby if used during pregnancy.