What are the efficacy and effects of dexrazoxane for injection?

Core efficacy and functions of dexrazoxane for injection include prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity, chelation of free iron ions, reduction of myocardial oxidative damage, ensuring safety during combination chemotherapy, and tailored applicability for specific patient populations. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: This drug is specifically used to reduce cardiac damage caused by anthracycline chemotherapeutic agents. It is particularly suitable for cancer patients requiring repeated administration of anthracyclines, helping to minimize direct injury to myocardial cells and reducing the risk of severe cardiac complications such as congestive heart failure.

2. Chelation of free iron ions: The drug binds with free iron ions in the body and anthracycline-iron complexes to form stable chelates. This action prevents iron ions from participating in oxidative reactions that generate toxic substances, thereby interrupting a key mechanism in anthracycline-induced cardiac injury and preserving the structural integrity of myocardial tissue.

3. Reduction of myocardial oxidative damage: Metabolism of anthracycline drugs generates large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to myocardial oxidative stress. Dexrazoxane helps eliminate certain ROS, reduces lipid peroxidation-induced damage to myocardial cell membranes, maintains normal metabolic function of myocardial cells, and alleviates drug-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

4. Ensuring safety during combination chemotherapy: When used in combination with anthracyclines, it does not compromise the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy drugs on tumor cells. While maintaining antitumor efficacy, it expands the clinical utility of anthracyclines, enabling more patients to tolerate full-dose, full-course chemotherapy regimens.

5. Tailored applicability for specific populations: For elderly cancer patients, individuals with pre-existing heart conditions, or those receiving high cumulative doses of anthracyclines, dosage of this drug can be adjusted according to individual cardiac tolerance. This provides additional safety assurance for high-risk patients undergoing chemotherapy, balancing therapeutic benefits against potential risks.

This medication must be administered under medical supervision in a specific sequence relative to chemotherapy drugs. Prior to administration, the patient’s cardiac function should be evaluated. During treatment, vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure must be closely monitored to ensure safe use and support successful completion of therapy for cancer patients.