A recent decade update on combating doxorubicin-induced toxicities

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Global cancer rates are rising, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies.
• Chemotherapy, including doxorubicin (dox), remains a primary cancer treatment.
• Doxorubicin therapy is limited by severe side effects, particularly cardiotoxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent investigations into mitigating doxorubicin-induced toxicities.
• To explore protective strategies against cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on doxorubicin toxicity and protective measures.
• Analysis of studies involving natural compounds, nanoformulations, miRNAs, and physical exercise.
• Synthesis of findings on the efficacy of various interventions.

Main Results:

• Doxorubicin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent but poses significant toxicity risks.
• Natural compounds, nanoformulations, miRNAs, and physical exercise show promise in reducing dox-mediated organ damage.
• These strategies offer potential for improving the therapeutic index of doxorubicin.

Conclusions:

• Emerging strategies effectively combat doxorubicin-induced toxicities.
• Further research into these protective measures can enhance cancer treatment outcomes.
• Combining doxorubicin with protective interventions may improve patient safety and treatment efficacy.