Effects of verapamil on anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy: preliminary results of a prospective multicenter trial

Abstract

Previous investigations in animals and one retrospective study in man suggest that verapamil can prevent anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy. In the following study, patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treated with double induction and consolidation chemotherapy (AML COOP study 1986, [3]) were randomized in a group with and without accompanying low-dose oral verapamil treatment. Since July 1986, 64 patients have been included. Thirty patients have been evaluated for pre- and posttreatment cardiological investigations. So far, no significant difference in cardiotoxicity has been observed either between the verapamil and nonverapamil group or between the two induction chemotherapy regimens (TAD/TAD - TAD/HAM).