Cardiotoxic effects of antitumor agents.

Cardiotoxic effects related to treatment with some antitumor agents (chiefly anthracycline antibiotics, cylophosphamide, corticosteroids, 5-fluorouracil, and radiation therapy), their association, and contemporaneous administration of other (potentially) cardiotoxic drugs are reviewed. Experimental models, clinical findings, and diagnostic methods are briefly described. Pathogenetic factors and interactions of antitumor drugs with biomembranes, DNA, and immune reactions are discussed.