Effects of Anthracyclines on Atherosclerosis in Patients with Breast Cancer and Protective Effect of Dexrazoxane

Background Anthracyclines are used as the main agents for the treatment of breast cancer. Dexrazoxane is one of the main agents used to prevent the cardiotoxic effect of anthracyclines. In this study, the effect of anthracyclines on arteriosclerosis were investigated. Materials and Methods Sixty patients were included the study who were diagnosed with breast cancer and aged between 23–58. The patients were divided into two groups by evaluating their age, cancer type, cancer grade and the treatments they received. The study group consisted of 30 patients with breast cancer who received dexrazoxane and the control group consisted of the patients who were similar to the study group and did not receive. Basal oscillometric arterial and echocardiographic cardiac parameters, aortic stiffness and pulse wave velocity (PWV) values of all patients were measured before chemotherapy and 1 month after the chemotherapy protocols were completed. Results In the study group receiving dexrazoxane, only left ventricular end-diastolic pressure increased in oscillometric and echocardiographic measurements before and after treatment (p = 0.008), while other parameters were preserved. In the control group, a decrease in ejection fraction (p = 0.001), an increase in left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (p < 0.001), an increase in left ventricular endsystolic pressure (p < 0.001) and an increase in the left atrium anteroposterior diameter (p < 0.001) were detected. While the PWV value, measured oscillometrically and evaluated as a vascular stiffness parameter, increased significantly in the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion In patients with breast cancer who have received anthracyclines, dexrazoxane protects patients from the negative effects of anthracyclines on arteriosclerosis.