Pediatric Cardio-Oncology: Screening, Risk Stratification, and Prevention of Cardiotoxicity Associated with Anthracyclines

Abstract

Anthracyclines have significantly improved the survival of children with malignant tumors, but the associated cardiotoxicity, an effect now under the purview of pediatric cardio-oncology, due to its cumulative and irreversible effects on the heart, limits their clinical application. A systematic screening and risk stratification approach provides the opportunity for early identification and intervention to mitigate, reverse, or prevent myocardial injury, remodeling, and dysfunction associated with anthracyclines. This review summarizes the risk factors, surveillance indexes, and preventive strategies of anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity to improve the safety and efficacy of anthracyclines.

Keywords

• pediatric
• cardiotoxicity
• anthracycline
• risk stratification
• monitoring
• prevention