Intraperitoneal bleomycin. Pharmacokinetics and results of a phase II trial

Bleomycin was administered in a phase II trial to 10 patients with malignant ascites. Complete responses to intraperitoneal bleomycin were observed in 6/10 patients (60%). Pharmacokinetics of serum and intraperitoneal bleomycin showed peak levels at 15 minutes with a peritoneal fluid half-life of 4.2 +/- 0.1 hours and a serum half-life of 5.0 +/- 1.2 hours. There was a 400-fold difference in concentration when bleomycin was administered intra-abdominally. Toxicities with intraperitoneal bleomycin were minimal. This phase II trial confirms the efficacy of intraperitoneal bleomycin; further trials appear warranted.