Phase II evaluation of bleomycin. A Southwest oncology Group study

Bleomycin given intravenously (i.v.) or intramuscularly (i.m.) in twice-weekly doses of 10 mg/m2 was evaluated for efficacy and toxicity in 382 patients. Responses were observed in 11/27 Hodgkin's diseases, 10/30 lymphomas, 9/22 squamous cell cancers of ectodermal origin, 12/26 germinal cancers, and 3/8 renal adenocarcinomas. The i.m. route is less likely to casue pulmonary toxicity or hypotension than the i.v. route. Advanced age and total doses exceeding 200 mg were associated with a higher risk of lung toxicity. All responders had shown at least improvement upon receiving 200 mg; higher total doses should be used only in responding patients.