Topical bleomycin in the treatment of oral leukoplakia: a pilot study

Six patients with oral leukoplakia were treated by the daily application of a 0.5 per cent (w/v) solution of bleomycin sulphate in dimethyl sulphoxide. After 12 to 15 applications, the white patch peeled off and the resultant raw surface epithelialised over the following 14 days. Repeat biopsies showed a significant improvement in the histology, with reduced dysplasia and keratinisation.