Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: monitoring and prevention of the lesion
Orditura, M.; De Vita, F.; Ciaramella, F.; Catalano, G.
Annali Italiani di Medicina Interna Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana di Medicina Interna 9(4): 243-248
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0393-9340 PMID: 7893575 Document Number: 432907
Doxorubicin is a common antitumoral agent, widely used to treat patients with a variety of neoplastic diseases: acute and severe dose-related chronic cardiotoxicity is the major limitation to optimal use of anthracycline antibiotics. Cancer patients with clinically important heart disease are thus generally not eligible for anthracycline therapy. This review discusses the clinical aspects and possible underlying pathogenetic mechanisms of cardiac damage. Also described is the diagnostic evaluation necessary for early warning of a cardiac event during anthracycline therapy as well as the means to prevent it. The authors also discuss the anthracycline derivatives, verapamil, and dexrazoxane (ICRF-187), a new cardioprotector agent.