Bleomycin is an approved anti-cancer drug which appears to work by fragmenting DNA. It is active, alone or in combination, against a wide spectrum of tumours. It is given by intravenous or intramuscular injection.

In AIDS research it is being tested as a treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma. The most serious potential side-effect is lung toxicity, which is a particular risk in elderly people or those who receive cumulative doses higher than 300 units (i.e. approximately 20 doses, or nine months to a years treatment at two weekly intervals). The most frequent side-effects are skin discolouration and inflammation of mucous membranes. There is also a risk of an influenza-like allergic reaction that causes fever and chills a few hours after injection, but this can be prevented by an injection of corticosteroids at the same time as the bleomycin.

Bleomycin is manufactured by Lundbeck. In the United States it is also known by the tradename Blenoxane.