Heart Protection Rare During Chemotherapy for Cancer
Adults with certain blood cancers rarely receive preventive heart care during anthracycline treatment.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cancer
Live Poll
Do you trust your oncologist to prioritize your long-term heart health during cancer treatment?
Fewer than 3% of adults with hematologic malignancies receive cardioprotective prophylaxis when treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy. This finding highlights a significant gap in care for thousands of patients undergoing standard cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Anthracyclines can cause cardiotoxicity in roughly 6% of patients, with many others experiencing subclinical effects, yet the use of preventive strategies remains minimal. Understanding these gaps helps patients and clinicians assess whether protective measures should be part of a treatment plan.
A retrospective study of 13,331 adult patients evaluated the use of cardioprotective prophylaxis in hematologic malignancies. Researchers found that less than 3% of patients received these measures, despite 6% developing cardiotoxicity and 18% experiencing subclinical effects.
The players
Flatiron Health
An oncology-focused health technology company that maintains a large database of real-world clinical data.
The details
Cardioprotective strategies typically involve the use of dexrazoxane or liposomal anthracycline formulations to mitigate heart damage caused by chemotherapy. Anthracyclines are potent agents used since the 1980s to treat various cancers, but they carry risks of heart-related side effects. The study noted that 67.1% of DLBCL patients who did receive protection were given liposomal formulations, while 32.9% were treated with dexrazoxane, without significant impacts on overall survival.
Timeline
1980s: Anthracyclines became a standard fixture in cancer treatment.
2010-2015: Dexrazoxane use in children with AML reached 11%.
2019-2021: Dexrazoxane use in children with AML reached 92%.
2024: A state-of-the-art review was published regarding anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity risks.
Health Landscape
This research highlights a stark disparity between pediatric protocols, where protective usage is high, and adult hematologic oncology care. It underscores the need for broader integration of cardioprotective strategies in adult treatment, mirroring the safety standards developed for younger cohorts.
If you or a loved one are starting anthracycline-based chemotherapy, it is worth asking your care team about the potential for cardiac side effects. Discuss whether cardioprotective strategies or increased heart monitoring are appropriate for your specific treatment plan.
The takeaway
While anthracyclines are effective treatments, they carry documented risks to cardiovascular health that are often unaddressed in adult patients. Patients should monitor for heart-related symptoms and consult with their oncologist about the necessity of protective measures during therapy.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment standards and risks, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Healio.
Live Poll
Do you trust your oncologist to prioritize your long-term heart health during cancer treatment?
