There is both good and bad news associated with anthracyclines.
The good news: significantly increased survival rates. The bad
news: possible heart problems that may not show up for 10 -15
years.
Anthracyclines include:
- Adriamycin
- Daunomycin
- Idarubicin
- Mitoxantrone
If anthracyclines are part of your treatment plan, it is
important that you know it so you can take the necessary
precautions.
So, what's the problem?
An article written by Nancy Keene and Dr. Kevin Oeffinger, M.D.
(Late Effects to the Heart, 2000 Candlelighters Childhood Cancer
Foundation Newsletter) sums up how your heart functions.
The heart is a large muscle that is divided into four chambers
and is designed to pump the blood around the body. The upper
chambers or rooms are called atria and the lower chambers are
called ventricles. The blood returning from the body enters the
right atrium, is squeezed into the right ventricle, and then is
pumped into the blood vessels in the lungs.
It is here that the oxygen we breathe is transferred into many
small blood vessels in the lungs. The blood, now rich with oxygen,
returns to the left atrium and then is squeezed into the left
ventricle, the largest and most powerful of the chambers. The left
ventricle contracts to circulate the blood to the entire body.
OK - So what's the big deal with anthracyclines, you
might be asking?
We know that these drugs can effect the functioning of your
heart's left ventricle. This is a problem when your heart needs to
work harder, like during exercise or strenuous activity. The
weakened left ventricle - responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood
back into your body - may not be capable of this heavy duty pumping
action.
What do I have to do?
If you are going to be taking anthracylcines, you will probably
have some baseline tests (EKG and ECHO cardiogram) done before you
start taking the drug. These tests will be repeated throughout your
treatment and then annually or as often as your doctor
suggests.
You also have to restrict activities that put a heavy strain on
your heart. Two sports in particular should be avoided:
Rugby/Football and Weight lifting.
You can still participate in many other sports and are
encouraged to do so. You can still dance, swim, and play tennis,
basketball, soccer and baseball.
Just remember that the effects of anthracyclines are long
lasting and need life-long attention. As you get older, you should
always take these precautions to stay on the safe side.