Biomarkers for the course-to-course evaluation of the cardiac side effects of anthracydins

摘要

Introduction: Anthracyclines (ACs) cause myocardial damage, which eventually may result left ventricular failure (LVF). The clinical assessment of the myocardial damage after AC-therapy is difficult, as the symptoms of LVF occur late. Hence, identification of (bio)markers of early cardiac damage may be useful. Levels of the N-terminal split product of pro Brain Natriuretic Peptide (Nt-proBNP) and QT-interval change after completion of chemotherapy. The course-to-course effect of anthracyclin administration on Nt-proBNP and QT-intervals would be additional evidence for the usefulness of these markers.