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Cureus Nov 2021Pediatric cancers are a common cause of childhood morbidity. As a result, chemotherapeutic regimens have been designed to target childhood cancers. These medications are... (Review)
Review
Pediatric cancers are a common cause of childhood morbidity. As a result, chemotherapeutic regimens have been designed to target childhood cancers. These medications are necessary to treat pediatric cancers, however, oncology management options are accompanied by multiple negative and potentially fatal adverse effects. Although anthracyclines are the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents associated with cardiotoxicity, we also explore other chemotherapeutic drugs used in children that can potentially affect the heart. Genetic variations resulting in single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) have the propensity to modify the cardiotoxic effects of the chemotherapy drugs. The clinical presentation of the cardiac effects can vary from arrhythmias and heart failure to completely asymptomatic. A range of imaging studies and laboratory investigations can protect the heart from severe outcomes. The physiology of the heart and the effect of drugs in children vary vividly from adults; therefore, it is crucial to study the cardiotoxic effect of chemotherapy drugs in the pediatric population. This review highlights the potential contributing factors for cardiotoxicity in the pediatric population and discusses the identification and management options.
PubMed: 34976454
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19658 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Apr 2022Cardiotoxicity remains the most common reason for failure during drug development. Recently, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model has emerged for the evaluation of...
Cardiotoxicity remains the most common reason for failure during drug development. Recently, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model has emerged for the evaluation of drug-dependent cardiotoxicity and for the identification of cardioprotective molecules. However, it remains unknown how closely the zebrafish-based results may be translated to humans. To tackle this issue, we established embryonic zebrafish models of doxorubicin-, adrenaline- and terfenadine-induced cardiotoxicity with unified dosing regimen which eventually enabled head-to-head comparison of the drugs. Subsequently, we determined whether human cardioprotective medications - dexrazoxane, metoprolol, carvedilol and valsartan - are able to manage heart dysfunction in zebrafish. Our results indicated that doxorubicin, adrenaline and terfenadine elicited overt signs of cardiotoxicity in fish, and we further showed that the blockade of the renin-angiotensin system and, to a lesser extent, β-adrenergic system, ameliorated the heart disease in zebrafish. From the drug development standpoint, our work opens the possibility to determine the cardiovascular properties of tested compounds using the rapid and affordable zebrafish model.
Topics: Animals; Cardiomyopathies; Cardiotoxicity; Carvedilol; Doxorubicin; Zebrafish
PubMed: 35158142
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112695 -
JAMA Network Open Jan 2024Contemporary North American trials for children with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have decreased radiation therapy (RT) use and increased pharmacologic cardioprotection but... (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
IMPORTANCE
Contemporary North American trials for children with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have decreased radiation therapy (RT) use and increased pharmacologic cardioprotection but also increased the cumulative doxorubicin dose, making overall treatment consequences for late cardiac toxic effects uncertain.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the risk of cardiac toxic effects associated with treatments used in modern pediatric HL clinical trials.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
For this cohort study, Fine and Gray models were fitted using survivors in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study who were diagnosed with HL between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 1999, and were followed for a median of 23.5 (range, 5.0-46.3) years. These models were applied to the exposures in the study population to estimate the 30-year cumulative incidence of cardiac disease. The study population comprised patients with intermediate-risk or high-risk HL treated in 4 consecutive Children's Oncology Group clinical trials from September 2002 to October 2022: AHOD0031, AHOD0831, AHOD1331, and S1826. Data analysis was performed from April 2020 to February 2023.
EXPOSURES
All patients received chemotherapy including doxorubicin, and some patients received mediastinal RT, dexrazoxane, or mediastinal RT and dexrazoxane.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Estimated 30-year cumulative incidence of grade 3 to 5 cardiac disease.
RESULTS
The study cohort comprised 2563 patients, with a median age at diagnosis of 15 (range, 1-22) years. More than half of the patients were male (1357 [52.9%]). All 2563 patients received doxorubicin, 1362 patients (53.1%) received mediastinal RT, and 307 patients (12.0%) received dexrazoxane. Radiation therapy use and the median mean heart dose among patients receiving RT decreased, whereas the planned cumulative dose of doxorubicin and use of dexrazoxane cardioprotection increased. For patients treated at age 15 years, the estimated 30-year cumulative incidence of severe or fatal cardiac disease was 9.6% (95% CI, 4.2%-16.4%) in the AHOD0031 standard treatment group (enrolled 2002-2009), 8.6% (95% CI, 3.8%-14.9%) in the AHOD0831 trial (enrolled 2009-2012), 8.2% (95% CI, 3.6%-14.3%) in the AHOD1331 trial (enrolled 2015-2019), and 6.2% (95% CI, 2.7%-10.9%) in the S1826 trial (enrolled 2019-2022), whereas the expected rate in an untreated population was 5.0% (95% CI, 2.1%-9.3%). Despite the estimated reduction in late cardiac morbidity, the frequency of recommended echocardiographic screening among survivors will increase based on current guidelines.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study of sequential HL trials, reductions in the proportion of children receiving mediastinal RT and increases in dexrazoxane use were estimated to offset the increased doxorubicin dose and produce a net reduction in late cardiac disease. Further studies on dexrazoxane are warranted to confirm whether its role in reducing cardiac toxic effects is maintained long term. These findings suggest that survivorship follow-up guidelines should be refined to align with the risks associated with treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Young Adult; Cardiotoxicity; Clinical Protocols; Cohort Studies; Dexrazoxane; Doxorubicin; Heart Diseases; Hodgkin Disease
PubMed: 38241048
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51062 -
Revista Portuguesa de Cardiologia :... Jun 2016The increasing use of anthracyclines, together with the longer survival of cancer patients, means the toxic effects of these drugs need to be monitored. In order to... (Review)
Review
The increasing use of anthracyclines, together with the longer survival of cancer patients, means the toxic effects of these drugs need to be monitored. In order to detect, prevent or mitigate anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy, it is essential that all patients undergo a rigorous initial cardiovascular assessment, followed by close monitoring. Several clinical trials have shown the cardioprotective effect of non-pharmacological measures such as exercise, healthy lifestyles, control of risk factors and treatment of comorbidities; a cardioprotective effect has also been observed with pharmacological measures such as beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor antagonists, statins, dexrazoxane and liposomal formulations. However, there are currently no guidelines for managing prevention in these patients. In this review the authors discuss the state of the art of the assessment, monitoring, and, above all, the prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.
Topics: Anthracyclines; Antineoplastic Agents; Cardiomyopathies; Cardiotoxicity; Humans; Neoplasms
PubMed: 27255173
DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2015.12.004 -
European Heart Journal Supplements :... Oct 2021Prevention of left ventricular dysfunction predominantly induced by anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab still represents a challenge for cardio-oncology today. Indeed,...
Prevention of left ventricular dysfunction predominantly induced by anthracyclines and/or trastuzumab still represents a challenge for cardio-oncology today. Indeed, this complication threatens to limit the significant gain in cancer survival achieved to date. Oncology strategies with cumulative dose limitation, continuous infusion, dexrazoxane, and liposomal formulations have been shown to decrease the risk of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. The preventive use of ace inhibitors, sartans, and/or beta-blockers has not yet provided convincing evidence and the positive effect on left ventricular ejection fraction decline appears poor without a clear clinical relevance. Assessment of the cardiovascular risk profile is a key aspect of the baseline evaluation of any patient scheduled for cancer therapy. Control and/or correction of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors is the first form of primary prevention of cardiotoxicity. It will be necessary to select populations at higher risk of developing cardiac dysfunction, identify patients genetically predisposed to develop cardiotoxicity in order to build the most appropriate strategies to correctly and timely target cardioprotective therapies.
PubMed: 35233212
DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/suab085 -
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Mar 2017This 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... (Review)
Review
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.
Topics: Anthracyclines; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Cancer Survivors; Cardiotonic Agents; Cardiotoxicity; Dexrazoxane; Humans; Models, Cardiovascular
PubMed: 27591829
DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13120 -
Cancer Management and Research 2014For more than half a century, the different properties of dexrazoxane have captured the attention of scientists and clinicians. Presently, dexrazoxane is licensed in... (Review)
Review
For more than half a century, the different properties of dexrazoxane have captured the attention of scientists and clinicians. Presently, dexrazoxane is licensed in many parts of the world for two different indications: prevention of cardiotoxicity from anthracycline-based chemotherapy, and prevention of tissue injuries after extravasation of anthracyclines. This article reviews the historical, preclinical, and clinical background for the use of dexrazoxane for these indications.
PubMed: 25246808
DOI: 10.2147/CMAR.S47238 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2011Anthracyclines are among the most effective chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of numerous malignancies. Unfortunately, their use is limited by a dose-dependent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Anthracyclines are among the most effective chemotherapeutic agents in the treatment of numerous malignancies. Unfortunately, their use is limited by a dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. In an effort to prevent this cardiotoxicity, different cardioprotective agents have been studied.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy of different cardioprotective agents in preventing heart damage in cancer patients treated with anthracyclines.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 10), MEDLINE (1966 to November 2010) and EMBASE (1980 to November 2010) databases. In addition, we handsearched reference lists, conference proceedings of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meetings (1998 to 2010) and ongoing trials registers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in which any cardioprotective agent was compared to no additional therapy or placebo in cancer patients (children and adults) receiving anthracyclines.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently performed the study selection, risk of bias assessment and data extraction including adverse effects.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified RCTs for the eight cardioprotective agents N-acetylcysteine, phenethylamines, coenzyme Q10, a combination of vitamins E and C and N-acetylcysteine, L-carnitine, carvedilol, amifostine and dexrazoxane (mostly for adults with advanced breast cancer). All studies had methodological limitations and for the first seven agents there were too few studies to allow pooling of results. None of the individual studies showed a cardioprotective effect. The 10 included studies on dexrazoxane enrolled 1619 patients. The meta-analysis for dexrazoxane showed a statistically significant benefit in favour of dexrazoxane for the occurrence of heart failure (risk ratio (RR) 0.29, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.41). No evidence was found for a difference in response rate or survival between the dexrazoxane and control groups. The results for adverse effects were ambiguous. No significant difference in the occurrence of secondary malignancies was identified.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
No definitive conclusions can be made about the efficacy of cardioprotective agents for which pooling of results was impossible. Dexrazoxane prevents heart damage and no evidence for a difference in response rate or survival between the dexrazoxane and control groups was identified. The evidence available did not allow us to reach any definite conclusions about adverse effects. We conclude that if the risk of cardiac damage is expected to be high, it might be justified to use dexrazoxane in patients with cancer treated with anthracyclines. However, clinicians should weigh the cardioprotective effect of dexrazoxane against the possible risk of adverse effects for each individual patient.
Topics: Anthracyclines; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; Cardiotonic Agents; Cytoprotection; Heart Diseases; Humans; Neoplasms; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Razoxane
PubMed: 21678342
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003917.pub4 -
Journal of Cardiovascular Development... Aug 2022Cardiotoxicity is a significant complication of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer patients. Cardiovascular incidents including LV dysfunction, heart failure (HF), severe... (Review)
Review
Cardiotoxicity is a significant complication of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer patients. Cardiovascular incidents including LV dysfunction, heart failure (HF), severe arrhythmias, arterial hypertension, and death are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Risk stratification of cancer patients prior to initiation of chemotherapy is crucial, especially in high-risk patients for cardiotoxicity. The early identification and management of potential risk factors for cardiovascular side effects seems to contribute to the prevention or minimization of cardiotoxicity. Screening of cancer patients includes biomarkers such as cTnI and natriuretic peptide and imaging measurements such as LV function, global longitudinal strain, and cardiac MRI. Cardioprotective strategies have been investigated over the last two decades. These strategies for either primary or secondary prevention include medical therapy such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, b-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, statins and dexrazoxane, physical therapy, and reduction of chemotherapeutic dosages. However, data regarding dosages, duration of medical therapy, and potential interactions with chemotherapeutic agents are still limited. Collaboration among oncologists, cardiologists, and cardio-oncologists could establish management cardioprotective strategies and approved follow-up protocols in patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy.
PubMed: 36005423
DOI: 10.3390/jcdd9080259 -
Deutsches Arzteblatt International Mar 2014Cardiotoxic and other side effects limit the usefulness of treatments for cancer. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Cardiotoxic and other side effects limit the usefulness of treatments for cancer.
METHOD
This article is based on pertinent articles that were retrieved by a selective search in PubMed and other databases, and on the guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology, the Association of Scientific Medical Societies in Germany, and the European Society of Medical Oncology.
RESULTS
Prospective studies have shown that some treatments for cancer are cardiotoxic. The heart damage that they cause can manifest itself as arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, thromboembolism, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction, or heart failure. It has been observed that potentially lethal complications can arise as late as 40 years after treatment of the original cancer. The anthracycline drug doxorubicin, given in a dose of 500 mg/m2 of body surface area, has been found to cause cardiac complications in 4-36% of the patients treated with it. Trastuzumab and epirubicin cause dose-limiting cardiac events in 1.7-5% of patients, depending on the dosage. Paclitaxel causes bradycardia, intracardiac conduction block, or arrhythmia in 0.5% of patients. 18% of patients treated with sunitimib or sorafenib have clinical manifestations relating to the heart (angina pectoris, dyspnea). 5-fluorouracil can cause angina pectoris at the beginning of treatment and rarely causes myocardial infarction. Cardiac radiation therapy, a form of treatment practiced in earlier decades, can cause cardiac complications 20 years after the event. The opportunity to prevent cardiac complications of anthracycline drugs with dexrazoxane is decidedly limited, but initial studies have shown that treatment with beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors lessens the likelihood of cardiotoxic side effects. When cardiac complications arise, the generally applicable rules for the treatment of each type of cardiac problem should be followed. The oncological treatment protocol should be adjusted or switched to one that is less damaging to the heart.
CONCLUSION
Treating physicians need to be thoroughly acquainted with the cardiotoxic effects of anti-cancer drugs so that they can diagnose them early on and avoid jeopardizing the overall success of treatment.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Comorbidity; Evidence-Based Medicine; Heart Diseases; Humans; Incidence; Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Survival Rate
PubMed: 24666651
DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0161