Anthracycline cardiotoxicity: prevalence, pathogenesis and treatment

Curr Cardiol Rev. 2011 Nov;7(4):214-20. doi: 10.2174/157340311799960645.

Abstract

Anthracyclines, such as doxorubicin and idarubicin, remain an important class of chemotherapeutic agents. Unfortunately, their efficacy in treating cancer is limited by a cumulative dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which can cause irreversible heart failure. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis and incidence of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity as well as methods to detect, prevent and treat the condition.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthracyclines / adverse effects*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Cardiotoxins / adverse effects*
  • Doxorubicin / adverse effects*
  • Heart Failure / chemically induced
  • Heart Failure / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Idarubicin / adverse effects*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / chemically induced*
  • Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / prevention & control

Substances

  • Anthracyclines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cardiotoxins
  • Doxorubicin
  • Idarubicin