The role of biomarkers in the early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in children: a review of the literature

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2008 Sep;25(7):655-64. doi: 10.1080/08880010802244001.

Abstract

Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity can cause serious health problems for an increasing number of children surviving childhood malignancies. Early detection of cardiac failure is critically important for the prevention and management of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. The aim of this research was to determine the role of biomarkers in the early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in children. A literature review is presented of studies regarding the use of the biomarkers B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP), cardiac troponin T (cTnT), and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in relation with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in children. Six of 14 studies in children showed a significant relation between elevated biomarkers BNP, NT-pro-BNP, and cTnT and cardiac dysfunction. Six studies, although small, suggest that BNP, NT-pro-BNP, and cTnT might be useful markers in the early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anthracyclines / adverse effects*
  • Anthracyclines / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Child
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Troponin I
  • Troponin T

Substances

  • Anthracyclines
  • Biomarkers
  • Peptide Fragments
  • Troponin I
  • Troponin T
  • pro-brain natriuretic peptide (1-76)
  • Natriuretic Peptide, Brain