Pediatric use of anthracyclines and cardiotoxicity: Review of new screening methods and therapy regarding a clinical case

Abstract

Nowadays, the progressive increase in the life expectancy of children with cancer also leads to an increase in the incidence of chemotherapy potential side effects. Among these substances, anthracyclines are some of the most commonly used and have myocardial toxicity. Despite its improvement with the use of liposomal compounds, there is still a need for better screening methods and early treatment of this cardiotoxicity. We present the case of a child with myocardial dysfunction of probable mixed cause (septic shock and anthracyclines toxicity) with good recovery after early treatment and review the most recent developments regarding this subject.