Dexrazoxane for anthracycline cardiotoxicity prevention in pediatric and AYA cancers: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

e24201 Background: Anthracyclines remain curative in many pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) cancers but confer dose-dependent cardiotoxicity. Dexrazoxane reduces cardiac injury; however, concerns persist regarding potential impact on oncologic outcomes. Methods: We conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing anthracycline therapy with versus without dexrazoxane in pediatric/AYA populations. Databases included MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL. Outcomes included cardiac function (LVEF decline, clinical heart failure), event-free survival (EFS), overall survival (OS), relapse, and second malignant neoplasms (SMN). Random-effects meta-analysis pooled hazard ratios (HRs) for time-to-event outcomes and risk ratios (RRs) for binary endpoints. Results: Twelve studies with 1,384 patients were included. Dexrazoxane significantly reduced risk of clinical heart failure (RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.21–0.55) and preserved LVEF compared with controls. No significant differences were observed in EFS (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84–1.12), OS (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.81–1.11), relapse (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.87–1.19), or SMN incidence (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.78–1.41). Benefits were consistent across cancer types, cumulative anthracycline doses, and follow-up durations. Conclusions: Dexrazoxane provides substantial cardio protection in pediatric and AYA patients receiving anthracyclines without compromising oncologic outcomes or increasing risk of SMNs. Clinical Takeaway: Routine incorporation of dexrazoxane in high-risk anthracycline regimens can prevent cardiotoxicity while maintaining curative potential.