blastomycins

Blastomycins are a group of natural products belonging to the bleomycin family of glycopeptide antibiotics. They are produced by the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus. While the term "blastomycin" can sometimes refer to the entire bleomycin family, it is often used more specifically to denote a particular subgroup or individual compounds within this family. The primary use of bleomycin antibiotics, including blastomycins, is in chemotherapy for various types of cancer, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, and squamous cell carcinomas.

The mechanism of action of blastomycins involves their ability to bind to DNA and cause strand breaks. This is achieved through the chelation of metal ions, particularly iron, which then catalyzes the formation of reactive oxygen species. These reactive oxygen species attack the DNA backbone, leading to cell death. Blastomycins are administered intravenously or intramuscularly.

Despite their therapeutic benefits, blastomycins can cause significant side effects, with pulmonary toxicity being the most serious concern. This can manifest as interstitial pneumonitis, which may progress to pulmonary fibrosis. Other common side effects include skin reactions, fever, and chills. The development of resistance to blastomycins can occur through various mechanisms, including altered drug uptake or increased DNA repair capacity. Research continues to explore new derivatives and combinations to improve their efficacy and reduce toxicity.