Liposomal doxorubicin is a relatively new formulation (i.e., physical and chemical preparation of doxorubicin). In liposomal doxorubicin, the doxorubicin drug is packaged inside a liposome (a fat-like material). The liposomal packaging of the doxorubicin allows the doxorubicin drug to better penetrate into and remain longer in tumors.
Both liposomal doxorubicin and doxorubicin are examples of a class of chemotherapeutic drugs called anthracyclines. Although anthracycline drugs can be effective in the treatment of breast cancer, anthracyclines pose a risk of cardiotoxicity (i.e., severe heart problems).
To reduce the potential for cardiotoxicity, the following precautions are undertaken when considering or administering liposomal doxorubicin:
• The medical history (including other cardiac risk factors, such as pre-existing heart disease, age, high blood pressure, diabetes, previous radiation therapy of the chest wall, and/or previous use of an anthracycline drug) of the patient is considered prior to deciding whether to use liposomal doxorubicin.
• Doses of lipsomal doxorubicin that are administered to patients are limited.
• During treatment with liposomal doxorubicin, patients are closely monitored for any heart problems.
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