The effect of anthracyclines on myocardial function in 50 long-term survivors of childhood cancer

Anthracyclines, which are effective in the treatment of childhood cancer, a re known for their cardiotoxicity, In this study, with a mean follow-up of 116 months, the adverse effects of anthracyclines on conduction and myocard ial function were evaluated by means of electrocardiography and echocardiog raphy. ECG abnormalities, present in 2 patients, were nonspecific ST-segmen t and T-wave changes; cardiac function was normal, Echocardiographic abnorm alities were present in 1 patient. He had a shortening fraction of less tha n 25% and presented in cardiac failure. Cardiotoxic effects of anthracyclines used in doses according to standard t reatment protocols were minimal in this long-term follow-up study, Routine ECG and echocardiography in asymptomatic patients during longterm follow-up are not indicated when an anthracycline dose of less than 450 mg/m(2) has been used and concomitant radiotherapy has not been administered.