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Development of a best-practice clinical guideline for the use of bleomycin in the treatment of germ cell tumours in the UK. Br J Cancer 2018; 119:1044-1051. [PMID: 30356125 PMCID: PMC6219480 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-018-0300-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Bleomycin, a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent, forms a key component of curative regimens for lymphoma and germ cell tumours. It can be associated with severe toxicity, long-term complications and even death in extreme cases. There is a lack of evidence or consensus on how to prevent and monitor bleomycin toxicity. We surveyed 63 germ cell cancer physicians from 32 cancer centres across the UK to understand their approach to using bleomycin. Subsequent guideline development was based upon current practice, best available published evidence and expert consensus. We observed heterogeneity in practice in the following areas: monitoring; route of administration; contraindications to use; baseline and follow-up investigations performed, and advice given to patients. A best-practice clinical guideline for the use of bleomycin in the treatment of germ cell tumours has been developed and includes recommendations regarding baseline investigations, the use of pulmonary function tests, route of administration, monitoring and patient advice. It is likely that existing heterogeneity in clinical practice of bleomycin prescribing has significant economic, safety and patient experience implications. The development of an evidence-based consensus guideline was supported by 93% of survey participants and aims to address these issues and homogenise practice across the UK.
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Andrade-Sousa AS, Rogério Pereira P, MacKenzie B, Oliveira-Junior MC, Assumpção-Neto E, Brandão-Rangel MAR, Damaceno-Rodrigues NR, Garcia Caldini E, Velosa APP, Teodoro WR, Ligeiro de Oliveira AP, Dolhnikoff M, Eickelberg O, Vieira RP. Aerobic Exercise Attenuated Bleomycin-Induced Lung Fibrosis in Th2-Dominant Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163420. [PMID: 27677175 PMCID: PMC5038953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise (AE) in reducing bleomycin-induced fibrosis in mice of a Th2-dominant immune background (BALB/c). METHODS BALB/c mice were distributed into: sedentary, control (CON), Exercise-only (EX), sedentary, bleomycin-treated (BLEO) and bleomycin-treated+exercised (BLEO+EX); (n = 8/group). Following treadmill adaptation, 15 days following a single, oro-tracheal administration of bleomycin (1.5U/kg), AE was performed 5 days/week, 60min/day for 4 weeks at moderate intensity (60% of maximum velocity reached during a physical test) and assessed for pulmonary inflammation and remodeling, and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). RESULTS At 45 days post injury, compared to BLEO, BLEO+EX demonstrated reduced collagen deposition in the airways (p<0.001) and also in the lung parenchyma (p<0.001). In BAL, a decreased number of total leukocytes (p<0.01), eosinophils (p<0.001), lymphocytes (p<0.01), macrophages (p<0.01), and neutrophils (p<0.01), as well as reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL-1; p<0.01), (IL-1β; p<0.001), (IL-5; p<0.01), (IL-6; p<0.001), (IL-13; p<0.01) and pro-fibrotic growth factor IGF-1 (p<0.001) were observed. Anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was increased (p<0.001). CONCLUSION AE attenuated bleomycin-induced collagen deposition, inflammation and cytokines accumulation in the lungs of mice with a predominately Th2-background suggesting that therapeutic AE (15-44 days post injury) attenuates the pro-inflammatory, Th2 immune response and fibrosis in the bleomycin model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilson Santos Andrade-Sousa
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Paulo Rogério Pereira
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - BreAnne MacKenzie
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Manoel Carneiro Oliveira-Junior
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Erasmo Assumpção-Neto
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Maysa Alves Rodrigues Brandão-Rangel
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Nilsa Regina Damaceno-Rodrigues
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LIM 59), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Elia Garcia Caldini
- Laboratory of Cellular Biology (LIM 59), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Pereira Velosa
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM 17), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Walcy Rosolia Teodoro
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation (LIM 17), School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ligeiro de Oliveira
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Marisa Dolhnikoff
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 455, Sao Paulo – SP, Brazil
| | - Oliver Eickelberg
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC), Ludwig Maximilian Universität München and Helmholtz Zentrum München, Max-Lebsche-Platz 31, München, Germany
| | - Rodolfo Paula Vieira
- Laboratory of Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (LABPEI) and Brazilian Institute of Teaching and Research in Pulmonary and Exercise Immunology (IBEPIPE), Nove de Julho University (UNINOVE), Rua Vergueiro, 235/249, São Paulo – SP, Brazil
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Gupta A, Sen S, Naina H. Acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia: a rare histopathological variant of chemotherapy-induced lung injury. BMJ Case Rep 2016; 2016:bcr-2016-214721. [PMID: 27053543 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-214721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Bleomycin-induced lung injury is the most common chemotherapy-associated lung disease, and is linked with several histopathological patterns. Acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia (AFOP) is a relatively new and rare histological pattern of diffuse lung injury. We report the first known case of bleomycin-induced AFOP. A 36-year-old man with metastatic testicular cancer received three cycles of bleomycin, etoposide and cisplatin, before being transitioned to paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin. He subsequently presented with exertional dyspnoea, cough and pleuritic chest pain. CT of the chest demonstrated bilateral ground glass opacities with peribronchovascular distribution and pulmonary function tests demonstrated a restrictive pattern of lung disease with impaired diffusion. Transbronchial biopsy revealed intra-alveolar fibrin deposits with organising pneumonia, consisting of intraluminal loose connective tissue consistent with AFOP. The patient received high-dose corticosteroids with symptomatic and radiographic improvement. AFOP should be recognised as a histopathological variant of bleomycin-induced lung injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Gupta
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shiraj Sen
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Harris Naina
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Aakre BM, Efem RI, Wilson GA, Kor DJ, Eisenach JH. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome in patients with previous exposure to bleomycin. Mayo Clin Proc 2014; 89:181-9. [PMID: 24485131 PMCID: PMC3987121 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 10/15/2013] [Accepted: 11/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence and risk factors for postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a large cohort of bleomycin-exposed patients undergoing surgery with general endotracheal anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS From a Mayo Clinic cancer registry, we identified patients who had received systemic bleomycin and then underwent a major surgical procedure that required more than 1 hour of general anesthesia from January 1, 2000, through August 30, 2012. Heart, lung, and liver transplantations were excluded. Postoperative ARDS (within 7 days after surgery) was defined according to the Berlin criteria. RESULTS We identified 316 patients who underwent 541 major surgical procedures. Only 7 patients met the criteria for postoperative ARDS; all were white men, and 6 were current or former smokers. On univariate analysis, we observed an increased risk of postoperative ARDS in patients who were current or former smokers. Furthermore, significantly greater crystalloid and colloid administration was found in patients with postoperative ARDS. We also observed a trend toward longer surgical duration and red blood cell transfusion in patients with postoperative ARDS, although this finding was not significant. Intraoperative fraction of inspired oxygen was not associated with postoperative ARDS. In bleomycin-exposed patients, the incidence of postoperative ARDS after major surgery with general anesthesia is approximately 1.3% (95% CI, 0.6%-2.6%). For first major procedures after bleomycin therapy, the incidence is 1.9% (95% CI, 0.9%-4.1%). CONCLUSION The risk of postoperative ARDS in patients exposed to systemic bleomycin appears to be lower than expected. Smoking status may be an important factor that modifies the risk of postoperative ARDS in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard I Efem
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY
| | | | - Daryl J Kor
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Froudarakis M, Hatzimichael E, Kyriazopoulou L, Lagos K, Pappas P, Tzakos AG, Karavasilis V, Daliani D, Papandreou C, Briasoulis E. Revisiting bleomycin from pathophysiology to safe clinical use. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2013; 87:90-100. [PMID: 23312772 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2012.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Bleomycin is a key component of curative chemotherapy regimens employed in the treatment of curable cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and testicular germ-cell tumours (GCT), yet its use may cause bleomycin-induced lung injury (BILI), which is associated with significant morbidity and a mortality rate of 1-3%. Diagnosis of BILI is one of exclusion and physicians involved in the care of HL and GCT patients should be alerted. Pharmacogenomic studies could contribute towards the identification of molecular predictors of bleomycin toxicity on the aim to optimize individual use of bleomycin. We review all existing data on bleomycin's most recent integrated chemical biology, molecular pharmacology and mature clinical data and provide guidelines for its safe clinical use.
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Abstract
A 69-year-old gentleman with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (stage I), with baseline fibrotic lung changes on CT, received six cycles of R-PMitCebo chemotherapy containing bleomycin. Three months later he presented to the Accident and Emergency Department with progressive dyspnoea, dry cough, pyrexia and generalised lethargy. Chest radiographs showed bilateral lower zone opacities. Clinically, all signs initially pointed to community-acquired penumonia, but he failed to respond to standard treatment for this. Repeat high-resolution CT (HRCT) subsequently showed widespread peripheral interstitial changes consistent with marked fibrotic lung changes. It became apparent that this was in fact bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity. The patient rapidly deteriorated and developed type I respiratory failure. Despite intensive steroid treatment, the patient progressively got worse and died in the Intensive Therapy Unit 10 days after admission. Death was directly attributed to pulmonary fibrosis secondary to bleomycin treatment.
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Li YF, Fu S, Hu W, Liu JH, Finkel KW, Gershenson DM, Kavanagh JJ. Systemic anticancer therapy in gynecological cancer patients with renal dysfunction. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2007; 17:739-63. [PMID: 17309673 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1438.2007.00847.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is a common occurrence in patients with gynecological cancer. Systemic anticancer treatment in such patients is a challenge for clinicians because of altered drug pharmacokinetics. For those drugs that are excreted mainly by the kidneys, decreased renal function may lead to increased systemic exposure and increased toxicity. Dose adjustment based on pharmacokinetic changes is required in this situation to avoid life-threatening toxicity. In this review, we summarize the nephrotoxicity and pharmacokinetic data of agents commonly used in systemic anticancer treatment of gynecological cancers and dose adjustment guidelines in the presence of impaired renal function. We review 17 medications that need dose adjustment (cisplatin, carboplatin, doxorubicin, epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, topotecan, irinotecan, etoposide, capecitabine, bleomycin, methotrexate, actinomycin D, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, metoclopramide, cimetidine, and diphenhydramine) as well as 27 drugs that do not (paclitaxel, docetaxel, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, fluorouracil, vincristine, letrozole, anastrozole, tamoxifen, leuprorelin, megestrol, gefitinib, erlotinib, trastuzumab, leucovorin, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, erythropoietin, ondansetron, granisetron, palonosetron, tropisetron, dolasetron, aprepitant, dexamethasone, lorazepam, and diazepam). We also review the formulae commonly used to estimate creatinine clearance, including Cockcroft-Gault, Chatelut, Jelliffe, Wright, and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease study formulae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y F Li
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77230, USA
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Lichtman SM, Wildiers H, Launay-Vacher V, Steer C, Chatelut E, Aapro M. International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG) recommendations for the adjustment of dosing in elderly cancer patients with renal insufficiency. Eur J Cancer 2007; 43:14-34. [PMID: 17222747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2006.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2006] [Accepted: 11/09/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
A SIOG taskforce was formed to discuss best clinical practice for elderly cancer patients with renal insufficiency. This manuscript outlines recommended dosing adjustments for cancer drugs in this population according to renal function. Dosing adjustments have been made for drugs in current use which have recommendations in renal insufficiency and the elderly, focusing on drugs which are renally eliminated or are known to be nephrotoxic. Recommendations are based on pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic data where available. The taskforce recommend that before initiating therapy, some form of geriatric assessment should be conducted that includes evaluation of comorbidities and polypharmacy, hydration status and renal function (using available formulae). Within each drug class, it is sensible to use agents which are less likely to be influenced by renal clearance. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data of anticancer agents in the elderly are needed in order to maximise efficacy whilst avoiding unacceptable toxicity.
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O'Sullivan JM, Huddart RA, Norman AR, Nicholls J, Dearnaley DP, Horwich A. Predicting the risk of bleomycin lung toxicity in patients with germ-cell tumours. Ann Oncol 2003; 14:91-6. [PMID: 12488299 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdg020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bleomycin pulmonary toxicity (BPT) has been known since the early clinical trials of bleomycin in the 1960s. Postulated risk factors include cumulative bleomycin dose, reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR), raised creatinine, older age and supplemental oxygen exposure. PATIENTS AND METHODS From our prospectively collected testicular cancer research database, we reviewed 835 patients treated at the Royal Marsden NHS Trust (Sutton, UK) with bleomycin-containing regimens for germ-cell tumours between January 1982 and December 1999, to identify those with BPT. RESULTS Fifty-seven (6.8%) patients had BPT, ranging from X-ray/CT (computed tomography) changes to dyspnoea. There were eight deaths (1% of patients treated) directly attributed to BPT. The median time from the start of bleomycin administration to documented lung toxicity was 4.2 months (range 1.2-8.2). On multivariate analysis, the factors independently predicting for increased risk of BPT were GFR <80 ml/min [hazard ratio (HR) 3.3], age >40 years (HR 2.3), stage IV disease at presentation (HR 2.6) and cumulative dose of bleomycin >300,000 IU (HR 3.5). CONCLUSIONS Patients with poor renal function are at high risk of BPT, especially if they are aged >40 years, have stage IV disease at presentation or receive >300,000 IU of bleomycin. In such cases alternative drug regimens or dose restriction should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M O'Sullivan
- Academic Unit of Radiotherapy and Clinical Oncology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton, UK.
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Abstract
The cytotoxic agent bleomycin is feared for its induction of sometimes fatal pulmonary toxicity, also known as bleomycin-induced pneumonitis (BIP). The central event in the development of BIP is endothelial damage of the lung vasculature due to bleomycin-induced cytokines and free radicals. Ultimately, BIP can progress in lung fibrosis. The diagnosis is established by a combination of clinical symptoms, radiographic alterations, and pulmonary function test results, while other disorders resembling BIP have to be excluded. Pulmonary function assessments most suitable for detecting BIP are those reflecting lung volumes. The widely used transfer capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide appeared recently not to be specific when bleomycin is used in a polychemotherapeutic regimen. There are no proven effective treatments for BIP in humans, although corticosteroids are widely applied. When patients survive BIP, they almost always recover completely with normalization of radiographic and pulmonary function abnormalities. This review focuses on BIP, especially on the pathogenesis, risk factors, and its detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sleijfer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sint Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Jantz
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Simpson AB, Paul J, Graham J, Kaye SB. Fatal bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in the west of Scotland 1991-95: a review of patients with germ cell tumours. Br J Cancer 1998; 78:1061-6. [PMID: 9792151 PMCID: PMC2063168 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.1998.628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a retrospective review of fatal bleomycin pulmonary toxicity in patients treated for germ cell tumours during 1991-95 at the Beatson Oncology Centre, Glasgow. Case notes of patients treated with bleomycin were reviewed with respect to cumulative bleomycin dose, renal impairment, exposure to supplemental oxygen, thoracic radiotherapy and age. A total of 194 patients underwent chemotherapy, of whom 180 received bleomycin-containing regimens. Five fatal cases of pulmonary toxicity were identified, an incidence of 2.8%. These cases were older than the remaining patients (P < 0.001), with a median age at diagnosis of 55 vs 33 years. The incidence of fatal pulmonary toxicity increased with each decade of life above age 30. Renal function also differed between the two groups, with the worst glomerular filtration rate recorded at the time of bleomycin administration for each patient, lower in the fatal group, median 69 vs 107 ml min(-1) (P < 0.001). There was no difference with respect to cumulative bleomycin dose or exposure to supplemental oxygen. For patients aged over 40 years, especially those with renal function in the lower range of normal, the risk of developing fatal toxicity may exceed 10%. The benefits of bleomycin could be questioned for this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Simpson
- CRC Department of Medical Oncology, Glasgow, UK
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Sleijfer S, van der Mark TW, Schraffordt Koops H, Mulder NH. Enhanced effects of bleomycin on pulmonary function disturbances in patients with decreased renal function due to cisplatin. Eur J Cancer 1996; 32A:550-2. [PMID: 8814706 DOI: 10.1016/0959-8049(95)00644-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We examined whether cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity augmented bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity in patients with testicular cancer treated with etoposide and cisplatin with (BEP) or without bleomycin (EP). Before and at 3-week intervals during chemotherapy, creatinine clearance and lung functions were measured. In patients receiving BEP, deterioration of renal function correlated with a decrease in transfer factor of the lungs for carbon monoxide (TLCO) and vital capacity (VC), parameters known to reflect bleomycin-induced pulmonary effects. Other lung functions did not correlate with renal function. In the EP group, no relationships were observed at all. These observations suggest enhanced pulmonary effects of bleomycin when combined with cisplatin. Therefore, attention should be paid to the potential development of bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity in patients treated with BEP.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sleijfer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Dahl O, Vagstad G, Iversen B. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy in a renal transplant recipient with metastatic germ cell testicular cancer. Acta Oncol 1996; 35:759-61. [PMID: 8938228 DOI: 10.3109/02841869609084013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- O Dahl
- Department of Oncology, Haukeland Hospital, University of Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
Bleomycin is well recognized as an active antineoplastic agent in the treatment of germ cell tumors. Pulmonary toxicity is the most significant complication of bleomycin administration. In this report, an attempt is made to modify both the incidence and severity of this side effect. One hundred eleven patients with advanced germ cell tumors were treated with a combination chemotherapy program that included the administration of 30 units (U) of bleomycin as a continuous infusion daily for 3 days every 3 weeks rather than a weekly bolus injection of a total of 360 U (mean dose received, 307 U). Also, 31 patients received high-dose steroids, which have been shown to modify bleomycin-induced pulmonary toxicity, for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced emesis. Changes in carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) prompting cessation of bleomycin therapy occurred in 15 cases (bleomycin was stopped in one case due to dyspnea and lung infiltrates, and one patient suffered fatal respiratory failure probably due to bleomycin lung toxicity). Thus, probable bleomycin pulmonary toxicity changed the clinical treatment in 15.3% of the cases. On long-term follow-up, only two patients have demonstrated a residual decrease in DLCO. The incidence of a greater than 25% decrease in DLCO was 34% and was not significantly altered by the administration of steroids (P = 0.96). It is possible, however, that the low incidence of clinically significant and fatal pulmonary toxicity, as experienced in this group of patients, may be related to the infusion of bleomycin. It also is possible that the reversibility of the decrease in DLCO in 95% of the patients may be related to the duration and schedule of bleomycin administration. As bleomycin continues to be an important drug in the treatment of advanced germ cell tumors, further studies are warranted to evaluate the role of the continuous infusion of bleomycin as opposed to bolus therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Jensen
- Department of Medicine, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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