bleomycin

[ blee-uh-mahy-sin ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

1. a cytotoxic antibiotic, C 55 H 84 N 17 O 21 S 3 , derived from the fermentation product of the bacterium Streptomyces certicillus, used in the management of certain epithelial cell and testicular carcinomas and malignant lymphomas.

bleomycin

/ ˌbliːəʊˈmaɪsɪn /

noun

1. a glycopeptide antibiotic drug used in the treatment of cancer and Hodgkin's Disease

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleomycin¹

1965–70; apparently alteration of phleomycin, an antibiotic derived earlier from the same source; initial elements phleo-, bleo- unexplained by originators; -mycin

Word History and Origins

Origin of bleomycin¹

C20: from bleo- unknown + -mycin

Example Sentences

Using a mouse model, they simulated IPF by administering bleomycin, a chemotherapy agent that causes cell injury and confirmed that the resulting lung scarring resolved itself over the span of about six weeks.

From Science Daily

The 16 drugs that Pfizer and Cipla will sell have unfamiliar names like vinblastine, bleomycin and fluorouracil.

From New York Times

The B drug in that combination, bleomycin, can cause lung damage, and even death, in a small number of patients.

From Seattle Times

Those who didn't have a clear scan -- suggesting a more resistant form of the blood cancer -- continued chemotherapy with bleomycin.

From US News

Bleomycin has been used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma for 30 years, researchers said.

From US News