Statin Therapy for Prevention of Anthracycline Cardiotoxicity - Another Defeat for Cardioprotection?

Divakaran, Sanjay; Nohria, Anju · NEJM Evid · 2022

review · Level V

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Abstract

Reduction in left ventricular (LV) systolic function and clinical heart failure (HF) are well-known potential consequences of anthracycline therapy for cancer. Putative mechanisms include myocardial dysfunction and damage caused by the production of reactive oxygen species and topoisomerase II-mediated cell death.<sup>1,2</sup> Interest in the use of statins as a preventive strategy against anthracycline-mediated cardiotoxicity centers on the pleotropic (anti-inflammatory) effects of statin therapy.<sup>3</sup> Support for statins as potential cardioprotective agents during anthracycline-based chemotherapy stems from observational cohort studies, two small prospective trials, and meta-analyses.

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