Key result
Prophylactic beta-blockers significantly attenuated LVEF reduction in patients receiving anthracyclines (MD 3.44%; 95% CI 1.41-5.46; p=0.001), but did not significantly reduce CTRCD incidence.
Why the study?
Cardiotoxicity is a well-recognized complication of anthracycline chemotherapy, but trial results evaluating beta-blockers for prevention remain controversial.
Does prophylactic administration of beta-blockers prevent EF reduction and cardiotoxicity in patients with normal LVEF receiving Anthracyclines?
Population
1291 patients with normal LVEF receiving anthracyclines across 17 trials
Comparison
Prophylactic beta-blockers vs control
Design
Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors
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Beta-blockers attenuate anthracycline-related LVEF decline; confirms surrogate benefit and supports larger trials on clinical outcomes.
Meta-Analysis (n=1,291)
Does prophylactic administration of beta-blockers prevent EF reduction and cardiotoxicity in patients with normal LVEF receiving Anthracyclines?
Mean Difference: 3.44 (95% CI 1.41–5.46)
Absolute Event Rate: -1.93% vs -4.78%
p-value: p=0.001
Prophylactic beta-blockers attenuate LVEF decline in patients receiving anthracyclines but do not significantly reduce the incidence of clinical cardiotoxicity or heart failure events.
Attar et al. (2022) conducted a meta-analysis in Anthracycline-induced cardiac toxicity (n=1,291). Beta-blockers vs. Control was evaluated on EF reduction (MD 3.44, 95% CI 1.41-5.46, p=0.001). Prophylactic beta-blockers significantly attenuated LVEF reduction in patients receiving anthracyclines (MD 3.44%; 95% CI 1.41-5.46; p=0.001), but did not significantly reduce CTRCD incidence.