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A Doxorubicin-Induced Murine Model of Dilated Cardiomyopathy In Vivo
Published on: May 16, 2020
Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: course, pathophysiology, prevention and management
Elly Barry1, Jorge A Alvarez, Rebecca E Scully
1Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Children's Hospital, Boston/Harvard Medical School, 44 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|May 23, 2007
Summary
Anthracycline chemotherapy can cause heart damage, but strategies like dose limitation and cardioprotectants such as dexrazoxane can minimize risks. Managing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity involves standard heart failure treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Anthracyclines are vital anti-cancer drugs but cause significant cardiotoxicity.
- Cardiovascular disease is a major concern for long-term cancer survivors treated with anthracyclines, potentially leading to heart failure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current strategies for minimizing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
- To discuss methods for monitoring and managing cardiac dysfunction in cancer patients and survivors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of strategies to mitigate anthracycline cardiotoxicity.
- Examination of cardioprotective agents, including dexrazoxane.
- Overview of monitoring techniques (echocardiography, radionuclide scans, biomarkers).
- Analysis of current management approaches for established cardiotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Several strategies exist to reduce cardiotoxicity, such as dose capping, controlled infusion rates, liposomal formulations, and novel analogues.
- Dexrazoxane shows promise as a cardioprotectant.
- Monitoring cardiotoxicity involves functional and biochemical assessments.
- Management of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity mirrors standard heart failure treatments.
Conclusions:
- Minimizing anthracycline cardiotoxicity requires a multi-faceted approach involving drug administration modifications and cardioprotective agents.
- Effective monitoring and management are crucial for long-term cancer survivors.
- Further research is needed on systematic treatment protocols for anthracycline-related cardiac dysfunction.
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