Understanding Cardiomyopathy Induced by Doxorubicin Therapy: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management Strategies

Abstract

Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy (DIC) is a significant complication of cancer treatment, characterized by irreversible cardiac damage and adverse effects on patient outcomes. Despite extensive research into its mechanisms and risk factors, effective prevention and management strategies still need to be discovered. This review summarizes the current understanding of DIC, including its epidemiology, mechanisms, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and prevention strategies. Emphasis is placed on the challenges in managing DIC, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic approaches targeting mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and myocardial injury. Future research directions and advances in biomarker discovery are discussed, offering potential avenues for improving early detection and personalized management of DIC in cancer patients.