Dexrazoxane protects the heart long term for kids being treated for cancer

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.