antracykliner

Antracyklines are a class of chemotherapy drugs used to treat various types of cancer. They work by interfering with DNA replication and transcription, ultimately leading to the death of cancer cells. The most well-known members of this group include doxorubicin, daunorubicin, idarubicin, and epirubicin. These drugs are derived from the bacterium *Streptomyces peucetius* and are characterized by a distinct four-ring structure.

Antracyklines are administered intravenously and are often part of combination chemotherapy regimens. Their effectiveness in treating leukemias, lymphomas, breast cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer is well-established. However, their use is associated with significant side effects, the most serious of which is dose-dependent cardiotoxicity, which can manifest as heart failure even years after treatment. Other common side effects include myelosuppression (low blood cell counts), nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and mucositis.

Due to the risk of cardiotoxicity, cumulative doses of antracyklines are carefully monitored. Strategies to mitigate this risk include the use of cardioprotective agents like dexrazoxane and the development of newer, less cardiotoxic antracycline analogs. Research continues to explore ways to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of these important anticancer agents.