Early Assessment of Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity (CARDIOTOX)

Early Assessment of Anthracycline-induced Cardiotoxicity: Usefulness of Biochemical Markers and Ventricular Function Assessment.

Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is a key point of the treatment of patients with Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. However, cumulative doses are limited by cardiotoxicity, resulting in a marked left ventricular function impairment that may lead to heart failure.

The standard clinical approach to monitoring for anthracycline cardiotoxicity is based on cardiac function monitoring using echocardiography or radionuclide angiography. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of biochemical markers of cardiac injury (troponin and NT-proBNP) and structural changes on cardiac MR in predicting anthracycline cardiotoxicity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically proven lymphoma (Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's)
• Age > 18 y/o and < 70 y/o
• WHO score < or = 2
• Life expectancy > 6 mo
• Left ventricular ejection fraction > 50%
• Informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous chemotherapy using anthracyclines
• History of radiation therapy
• History of congestive heart failure
• History of chronic renal insufficiency
• Contra indication to MR examination
• Atrial fibrillation and significant arrhythmia
• Pregnancy