is a life-threatening illness that affects millions of children worldwide. Today, more than 80% of children diagnosed with cancer still survive five years after receiving treatment. This has been one of paediatric medicine’s greatest achievements in the past 50 years. But the improvements in treatment come at a price: Some cancer patients who survive infancy can experience life-threatening heart issues later in age, partly as a result of the chemotherapy that initially assisted in their survival. Chemotherapy is a common treatment for pediatric cancer, which involves the use of powerful drugs to destroy cancer cells. Although chemotherapy can be effective, it has several side effects, including damage to the heart muscle. Dexrazoxane is a medication that can protect the heart from damage during chemotherapy. The best cancer treatment for children is available at our best oncology hospital, where a team of highly skilled pediatric oncologists provides personalized and comprehensive care using the latest cutting-edge therapies. So here in this blog, we will explore what is dexrazoxane and how it protects the heart long-term for kids being treated for cancer.

What is Dexrazoxane?

Dexrazoxane is a medication used to reduce the risk of heart damage in patients receiving chemotherapy. It is a type of drug known as a cardioprotective agent, which means it protects the heart from damage caused by chemotherapy. Dexrazoxane works by blocking the formation of free radicals, which are molecules that can damage cells in the body. By blocking the formation of free radicals, dexrazoxane reduces the risk of heart damage caused by chemotherapy.

How Does Dexrazoxane Protect the Heart?

Dexrazoxane is a potent antioxidant that prevents the accumulation of free radicals in the heart. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells in the body by stealing electrons from other molecules. They are produced during normal cellular processes, but chemotherapy can cause an excess of free radicals to be produced, which can damage the heart muscle.

Dexrazoxane works by binding to iron in the heart muscle, preventing it from catalyzing the production of free radicals. By binding to iron, dexrazoxane precludes the formation of free radicals and protects the heart from damage. Additionally, dexrazoxane has been shown to increase blood flow to the heart muscle, which can help to prevent damage from chemotherapy.

Benefits of Dexrazoxane for Kids with Cancer:

• The primary benefit of dexrazoxane for kids with cancer is that it can protect their hearts from damage caused by chemotherapy. This is particularly important because the heart is a vital organ that is essential for life. Damage to the heart can lead to a range of serious health problems, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and other cardiac conditions.
• Dexrazoxane effectively reduces the risk of heart damage in children receiving chemotherapy. In clinical trials, dexrazoxane reduced the incidence of heart damage by up to 50% in children receiving high doses of chemotherapy. This means that children who receive dexrazoxane are less likely to experience long-term heart damage from their cancer treatment.
• Another benefit of dexrazoxane is that it has a low incidence of side effects. The most common side effect of dexrazoxane is mild nausea and vomiting, which can usually be managed with anti-nausea medication. There is no evidence to suggest that dexrazoxane causes any long-term side effects.

Long-term Benefits of Dexrazoxane for Kids with Cancer:

The long-term benefits of dexrazoxane for kids with cancer are significant. Children who receive dexrazoxane are less likely to experience heart damage, which means they are less likely to develop long-term cardiac complications. This can improve their quality of life and reduce their risk of premature death.

Studies have shown that children who receive dexrazoxane are more likely to have normal heart function and structure years after chemotherapy. They also have a lower incidence of heart disease and cardiac complications. Additionally, children who receive dexrazoxane may be able to tolerate higher doses of chemotherapy, which can improve their chances of survival.

In conclusion, dexrazoxane is a highly effective medication that can protect the heart from the damaging effects of chemotherapy in children with cancer. It represents a major breakthrough in cancer treatment, allowing children to receive effective cancer treatment without compromising their long-term health. Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to shed light on its efficacy and safety, further supporting its use in pediatric oncology practice. With its ability to protect the vulnerable hearts of children undergoing cancer treatment, dexrazoxane represents a significant advancement in the field of cardio-oncology, offering hope for better long-term cardiac outcomes for pediatric cancer patients.Oncoplus is renowned as the best hospital in Delhi for cancer treatment. With state-of-the-art facilities and a team of experienced oncologists, we provide cutting-edge treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and surgical interventions. Our personalized approach ensures that each patient receives the highest quality of care and support throughout their cancer journey. Trust Oncoplus for world-class cancer care and compassionate treatment in Delhi.

Yes, it is possible to get heart cancer. This is a rare form of cancer that affects the heart and is also known as primary cardiac tumors. Generally, cancer that grows near the heart, like in the lungs or breast, can develop in the lining around the heart or spread there through the blood. The cancers that normally affect the heart are lung cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, lymphoma, esophageal cancer, melanoma, leukaemia, etc. The prevalence of heart cancer is lower than that of other cancers, making it a highly uncommon form of cancer. Heart cancer has a potential impact on the overall health and well-being of the patient, so it is essential to understand the risk factors, symptoms, and potential treatment options associated with the disease. If you or your loved one suffers from heart cancer, you can visit the best cancer hospital in Delhi, i.e., Oncoplus Hospital. In this blog, you will learn about heart cancer.

What is heart cancer?

Heart cancer starts when the cancerous cell grows out of control near the patient’s heart. These cancerous cells form a tumor in the heart, and it is an extremely rare form of cancer. Heart cancer commonly begins when cancer cells spread to the heart from a nearby affected organ.

Risk factors of heart cancer

The risk factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of developing heart cancer are poor nutrition, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, an unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity.

Symptoms of Heart Cancer:

Heart cancer has a lot of symptoms, and they also depend on the tumor’s size, location, and growth rate. The following are some of the symptoms that the patients experience:

1. Chest pain or chest tightness: This is a common symptom of heart cancer and can occur due to the tumor pressing against the heart.
2. Shortness of breath: This can occur due to the tumor blocking the blood flow or pressing against the lungs.
3. Fatigue: This can occur due to the tumor interfering with the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently.
4. Swelling: Swelling in the arms, legs, or abdomen can occur due to fluid buildup caused by the tumor.
5. Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or palpitations can occur due to the tumor interfering with the heart’s working system.

Diagnosis of Heart Cancer:

If the patient experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, then it is essential to visit a doctor immediately.  After this, the doctor will carry out a physical examination and ask about your medical history. Some of the tests that doctors recommend to diagnose heart cancer are as follows:

1. Echocardiogram: This test uses sound waves to create images of the heart. It can help identify the presence of a tumor and its location.
2. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of your heart. It helps to identify the size and location of the tumor.
3. CT scan: A CT scan uses computer technology to generate detailed images of your heart, blood vessels, and lungs. It can help identify the presence of a tumor and its location.
4. Biopsy: In a biopsy test, doctors take a small sample of tissue from the tumor for further examination. It is the most effective way to diagnose heart cancer.

Treatment of Heart Cancer:

The treatment options for heart cancer depend on the type, size, and location of the tumor, as well as your overall health. The main treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. These treatments help to shrink the tumor or kill the remaining cancer cells. The treatment of heart cancer also depends upon its size, location, stage at which it is diagnosed, and other factors such as age and overall health.

In conclusion, heart cancer is an extremely rare form of cancer, and the symptoms of heart cancer depend upon the size and location of the tumor. Heart cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Visit the Oncoplus hospital if you want to consult the best cardiologist in Delhi for treatment.