Adriamycin cardiotoxicity amelioration by alpha-tocopherol.

Adriamycin has become a potent member of the cancer chemotherapeutic program. However, the full utilization of adriamycin is limited by its cardiotoxicity. In experimental animals, alpha-tocopherol has been shown by some to ameliorate or prevent cardiac dysfunction without impairing antitumor effectiveness. During adriamycin therapy, future clinical research should consist of biochemical measurements of vitamin E in plasma, lipoperoxidation in red cells and platelets, while cars to indicate deficiency, should be considered as one method of ameliorating toxicity.