Bleomycin-Induced Skin Toxicity: Mechanisms and Potential Approaches to Reduce Skin Toxicity

Bleomycin is a chemotherapy medication used as cancer drugs and antibiotics, treating cell tumors, gestational trophoblastic diseases, and certain types of lymphoma. This literature review analyzes relevant studies published between 1973 to 2021, focusing on the symptoms of skin toxicity, mechanisms of skin toxicity, and related treatment approaches of skin lesions. Two primary side effects of bleomycin are found to be pulmonary and skin toxicities. Because the skin and lung tissues lack the hydrolase enzyme which rapidly inactivates bleomycin, the drug accumulates in these regions and creates several toxicity symptoms such as hyperpigmentation and flagellate erythema. However, despite findings from existing case reports and in vitro studies, the optimal treatment approach for bleomycin-induced skin toxicity remains unclear, highlighting the need for further research to study the most effective treatment strategies.