Effects of Bleomycin on Pulmonary Function in Man

Pulmonary function studies using the maximal expiratory flow-volume curve and diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide were obtained before and during treatment with bleomycin in 14 patients with a variety of neoplasms. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In group 1 with abnormal chest radiographs, 5 of 6 patients showed a significant reduction in forced vital capacity and all had a decrease in final pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. In group 2, with normal chest radiographs, 5 of 8 showed a decrease in forced vital capacity and 3 of 5, a decrease in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide. Neither group showed evidence of airway obstruction attributable to bleomycin. Bleomycin produced a restrictive type of impairment of pulmonary function compatible with morphologic changes of interstitial penumonia and pulmonary fibrosis that are produced by bleomycin in man and laboratory animals. No correlation between the functional changes and the total dose of bleomycin was noted.