Intracavitary bleomycin for the control of malignant effusions

J Surg Oncol. 1981;16(3):273-7. doi: 10.1002/jso.2930160312.

Abstract

The results of treatment with intracavitary bleomycin are reported in twenty patients with a malignant pleural effusion and five patients with malignant ascites. The control rate was 17/20 (85%) patients with malignant pleural effusions and 3/5 (60%) patients with malignant ascites. Toxicities were minimal with fever being the most common side effect in four patients (16%. Bleomycin is an effective and nontoxic sclerosing agent.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ascites*
  • Bleomycin / administration & dosage*
  • Bleomycin / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Fever / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Pleural Effusion / drug therapy
  • Pleural Neoplasms / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Bleomycin