Prevention of cardiotoxicity among survivors of childhood cancer

Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2017 Mar;83(3):455-465. doi: 10.1111/bcp.13120. Epub 2016 Oct 12.

Abstract

This article is part of a joint Themed section with the British Journal of Pharmacology on Cardiotoxicity. The rest of the Themed section will appear in a future issue of BJP and will be available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1476-5381 The number of survivors of childhood cancers has increased exponentially over the past few decades. However, these survivors are also at substantially increased long-term risk of morbidity and mortality, especially from treatment-related cardiotoxicity. Preventing these risks is now a priority when treating children and adolescents with cancer. Dexrazoxane reduces the risk of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity among adults and children with cancer without reducing its antineoplastic effects or event-free survival. Thus, it should be strongly considered as a part of therapy for children and adolescents treated with anthracyclines.

Keywords: cardiotoxicity; childhood cancer; dexrazoxane; survivor.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Anthracyclines / adverse effects*
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Cardiotonic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cardiotoxicity / prevention & control*
  • Dexrazoxane / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Models, Cardiovascular

Substances

  • Anthracyclines
  • Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
  • Cardiotonic Agents
  • Dexrazoxane