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Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity

  • Management of Heart Failure (T Meyer, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Anthracycline-based chemotherapeutics have long been recognized as effective agents for treating a wide range of malignancies. However, their use is not without significant adverse cardiotoxic side effects. Strategies for prevention involve limiting free-radical production and subsequent cardiac myocyte damage. Dexrazoxane remains the most widely studied cardioprotective medication. Alternative agents may reduce cardiotoxicity but may still cause significant cardiovascular problems. The role of β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the treatment of heart failure is well proven. The role of these medications in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity is not well established.

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  1. University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA, 01655, USA

    Amir Y. Shaikh & Jeffrey A. Shih

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  1. Amir Y. Shaikh
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  2. Jeffrey A. Shih
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Correspondence to Jeffrey A. Shih.

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Shaikh, A.Y., Shih, J.A. Chemotherapy-Induced Cardiotoxicity. Curr Heart Fail Rep 9, 117–127 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11897-012-0083-y

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