Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification ONS Practice Test 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Doxorubicin is recognized for its potential to cause cardiotoxicity, making it a significant concern in treatment planning. This drug belongs to the anthracycline class of chemotherapy agents, which have been extensively studied for their effectiveness in treating various cancers. However, their use is often limited by the risk of damaging cardiac tissue, leading to conditions such as cardiomyopathy and heart failure.

The mechanism of cardiotoxicity associated with doxorubicin is believed to involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in heart cells. This toxicity can occur shortly after administration but is more typically seen with cumulative doses over time. Monitoring cardiac function through echocardiograms or other imaging may be necessary for patients receiving this drug, especially those with pre-existing heart conditions or those requiring long-term treatment.

In contrast, while other listed drugs such as cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine have their own toxicities and side effects, they are not predominantly known for causing heart-related issues to the same degree as doxorubicin. Thus, doxorubicin stands out in discussions of chemotherapy regimens, particularly regarding its cardiotoxic risks, making it essential for healthcare professionals to be aware of this side effect when prescribing and managing