Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

Doxorubicin (Adriamycin; Adria Laboratories, Columbus, OH) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic agents used in the management of pediatric neoplastic disorders during the past 20 years. However, its use has been limited by well-characterized, dose-related cardiac toxicity. Recently, cardiac dysfunction has been noted in pediatric patients who had received doxorubicin years before. This article summarizes current information regarding the pathophysiology and risk factors associated with cardiotoxicity and reviews detection methods and treatments of this condition.