Recenti progressi in medicina
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Cardiotoxicity is the most important side effect of the highly effective chemotherapeutic drugs anthracyclines. The total dose that must not be surpassed to avoid cardiotoxicity is specific for each anthracycline. For doxorubicin the maximal dose is 450-550 mg/mq. ⋯ Endomyocardiac biopsy is highly effective for the diagnosis, but is indicated only for selected cases. The therapy of anthracycline cardiomyopathy is directed mainly to the control of congestive heart failure. In the initial phase the treatment is based on the use of digitalis and diuretics, that are substituted in the following maintaining phase by ACE inhibitors.