Cardiac Toxicity: Using Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors to Prevent Anthracycline-Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction and Cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND: Anthracycline chemotherapies are effective in many different types of cancer. However, cumulative doses are associated with irreversible cardiac toxicity, most frequently manifested in the development of left ventricular dysfunction, cardiomyopathy, and congestive heart failure. The onset of cardiomyopathy and subsequent heart failure can result in the interruption or discontinuation of therapy. Cardioprotective agents, particularly angiotensin- converting enzyme inhibitors, have been shown to slow the progression of left ventricular dysfunction and prevent heart failure. OBJECTIVES: This review assesses the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in the prevention of anthracycline-induced left ventricular dysfunction. METHODS: A literature search was performed using four electronic databases. FINDINGS: Evidence from this review suggests that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors may be effective in preventing or reducing anthracycline- induced left ventricular dysfunction and subsequent cardiomyopathy and heart failure.