Evaluation of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity using 1H-MRS compared with cardiac functional parameters: an animal study

Motivation: The early detection of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) is a significant challenge in chemotherapy, and timely identification is crucial for patients undergoing treatment. Goal(s): This study aimed to assess the value of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) in the early detection of AIC. Approach: Rabbits were periodically administered chemotherapeutic drugs, magnetic resonance scans were conducted every two weeks to monitor changes in various cardiac parameters. 1H-MRS was compared with conventional cardiac parameters to determine the earliest detectable changes, diagnostic efficacy, and determination of diagnostic thresholds. Results: The study revealed that Lipid1 changes early in the chemotherapy cycle and has good diagnostic efficacy. Impact: This 1H-MRS study should offer an alternative for early identification of cardiac injury in patients with anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity (AIC) and have potential for personalized dosing strategies of chemotherapeutic agents.