Used primarily in chemotherapy to treat various types of cancers, including Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, and certain squamous cell carcinomas such as those of the head and neck, skin, lung, cervix, and vulva. It works by binding to DNA and causing strand breaks through the formation of free radicals, leading to the destruction of cancer cells. Often administered intravenously or intramuscularly, it is part of combination therapies to enhance effectiveness. Additionally, it is employed in the treatment of malignant pleural effusions (pleurodesis), where it is instilled directly into the pleural cavity to cause inflammation and adhesion of the pleural membranes, preventing the accumulation of fluid. Bleomycin is also used intralesionally for the treatment of recalcitrant warts, particularly those caused by HPV, by injecting it directly into the lesion to destroy abnormal tissue. Careful monitoring is required due to potential side effects such as pulmonary toxicity, including pneumonitis and fibrosis.