Abstract
e20671 Background: We previously showed on 31 cancer patients (pts) that early cardiac abnormalities occurred at epirubicin (EPI) doses of 200 mg/m2 and persisted throughout subsequent EPI doses and even up to 18 months. Early contractility impairment, i.e. Strain rate (SR) reduction was detected by tissue doppler imaging (TDI) associated with high levels of inflammatory/oxidative stress markers. Renin-angiotensin system activation has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods: A phase II placebo-controlled study was designed to investigate the possible role of telmisartan (an antagonist of angiotensine II type I receptor) in preventing both early preclinical and late myocardial damage induced by EPI. The correlation with changes of biochemical/inflammatory markers was also assessed. Planned sample size was 100 pts (50 pts per arm). Inclusion criteria: 18–70 y, histologically confirmed cancer, previously untreated and candidates for an EPI-based regimen; LVEF ≥55%; ECOG PS 0–2, no history of cardiac disease and previous mediastinal irradiation. Eligible pts were randomized to receive telmisartan 40 mg (1 tablet)/day or placebo starting 1 week before EPI until 6 months after the end of EPI administration. TDI as well as inflammatory/oxidative stress markers were assessed at baseline, 24 hours and 7 days at EPI doses of 100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/m2. Results: At December 2008 we enrolled 27 pts (M/F: 7/20, mean±SD age 58±14 years): 14 telmisartan and 13 placebo. 15 pts completed EPI treatment (8 telmisartan and 7 placebo). A significant reduction of SR peak was observed at 200mg/m2 of EPI in the placebo arm. Viceversa no significant TDI changes occurred in the treatment arm. Proinflammatory cytokines did not change in both arms whilst reactive oxygen species increased significantly in the placebo arm. Conclusions: The study is in progress. No significant financial relationships to disclose.
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