Dexrazoxane (Zinecard) is a drug that may protect a patient from cardiotoxicity associated with high cumulative doses of doxorubicin. Dexrazoxane also may be given to patients being treated with epirubicin.
Dexrazoxane is derived from ethyl enediamine tetra acetic acid, which is a metal chelating agent. It works by reducing the number of iron or other metal ions that can be complexed with an anthracycline.
Dexrazoxane is not administered until the patient has reached a certain threshold in the cumulative dose of doxorubicin, typically 300 mg per square meter. It may allow the patient to continue to receive ongoing therapy with doxorubicin.
Dexrazoxane is usually given to women with metastatic breast cancer. It may be given to adults with other cancers being treated with doxorubicin.
dose of dexrazoxane to give in mg per square meter BSA =
= 10 * (dose of doxorubicin in mg per square meter)
The dose of dexrazoxane is given intravenously 15 to 30 minutes prior to the doxorubicin.
While dexrazoxane may protect against cardiotoxicity, it theoretically may interfere with the effectiveness of doxorubicin against the tumor.
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