Dexrazoxane (DB00380): A Comprehensive Monograph on its Cardioprotective and Chemoprotective Roles in Oncology

Section 1: Introduction to Dexrazoxane

Executive Summary

Dexrazoxane (DrugBank ID: DB00380) is a unique, systemically administered cytoprotective agent belonging to the bisdioxopiperazine class of compounds.[1] It occupies a distinct niche in modern oncology, primarily defined by its dual, yet highly specific, roles in mitigating the toxicities of anthracycline chemotherapy. First, it serves as a cardioprotective agent, administered to reduce the incidence and severity of cumulative, dose-dependent cardiomyopathy, a major source of long-term morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors treated with drugs like doxorubicin.[4] Second, it functions as a targeted chemoprotective agent, acting as the only approved antidote for the treatment of severe local tissue damage (extravasation) that can occur when intravenous anthracyclines leak from the vein into surrounding tissues.[7] Marketed under brand names including Zinecard®, Totect®, and Cardioxane®, Dexrazoxane addresses critical unmet needs that arise directly from the use of one of the most effective and widely used classes of anticancer drugs.[4]

The Central Clinical Problem