Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Comprehensive Update.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Doxorubicin is a vital chemotherapy drug for various cancers.
• Its use is limited by significant cardiotoxicity, affecting cardiac myocytes.
• This toxicity can be acute or chronic, posing a major clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the cardiac effects of doxorubicin.
• To analyze doxorubicin's impact on cardiac structure and function.
• To synthesize findings from both preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of preclinical data on doxorubicin's cardiac effects.
• Evaluation of clinical evidence regarding doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Doxorubicin's DNA intercalation and topoisomerase II inhibition mechanisms contribute to cardiac cell damage.
• Evidence from preclinical models and human studies demonstrates adverse effects on cardiac structure and function.
• The review consolidates a broad spectrum of doxorubicin's cardiotoxic manifestations.

Conclusions:

• Doxorubicin's cardiotoxicity is a critical concern in cancer therapy.
• Understanding these effects is crucial for managing patients undergoing doxorubicin treatment.
• Further research is needed to mitigate doxorubicin-induced cardiac damage.