Doxorubicin is a chemotherapy drug and was approved for medical use in the United States in 1974. It is used for the treatment of many cancer types, like breast cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, small Cell Lung cancer, lymphoma, and acute lymphocytic leukemia.
Doxorubicin is classified as an “anthracycline.” Anthracyclines block DNA production (synthesis), which leads to stopping tumor growth.
The drug is administered intravenously, and there is no oral form of Doxorubicin.
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<a href='https://dr-adem.com/increase-efficacy-of-doxorubicin/'><img src='https://dr-adem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/doxorubicin-how-to-improve-the-efficacy.jpg' alt='Increase Efficacy Of Doxorubicin'/></a>Common side effects are:
- Heart Problems
- Secondary Cancers
- Low White Blood Cell Count
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Your doctor must check your heart function with echocardiography before you start receiving Doxorubicin. The drug can negatively affect your hearts pumping capability, and therefore there is a “maximum personal dose” of Doxorubicin that every human can tolerate. Your “maximum personal dose” may be lower if you have heart disease or other risk factors such as advanced age or if you use other drugs that are toxic for your heart too. Please have in mind that the heart damage can occur as late as 7 or 8 years after receiving Doxorubicin.
The risk of developing secondary cancers, such as leukemia, is increased even years after taking the drug. Regular health checks after Doxorubicin therapy are, therefore, essential.