Reversibility of severe left ventricular dysfunction due to doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. Report of three cases

Abstract

Doxorubicin is a potent anticancer agent effective in a wide range of malignancies, but its use is limited by dose-dependent late cardiotoxicity. Severe doxorubicin cardiotoxicity has been associated with a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate, and until recently has been thought to be irreversible. We describe the cases of three patients with well-documented severe left ventricular dysfunction due to doxorubicin who had complete clinical recovery with return of cardiac function to normal. Because severe doxorubicin cardiotoxicity is reversible in some patients, aggressive supportive therapy is warranted.