What is the main side effect of Doxorubicin?

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy agent known primarily for its effectiveness in treating various cancers. However, it has a well-documented side effect profile, and one of the most significant long-term side effects is cardiomyopathy, which can lead to heart failure. This risk increases with the cumulative dose of the drug, making monitoring cardiac health crucial during treatment.

The mechanism behind the cardiomyopathy associated with Doxorubicin involves oxidative stress and damage to the heart muscle cells. This cardiac toxicity can occur even years after exposure and is a key reason why Doxorubicin use is carefully managed in cancer therapy, with cardioprotective agents sometimes administered concurrently.

While other options presented, such as myelosuppression, otologic toxicity, and peripheral neuropathy, are relevant to other chemotherapy agents or conditions, they are not the primary or most characteristic side effect of Doxorubicin. Myelosuppression, for instance, can occur but is more associated with alkylating agents and certain antimetabolites, while ototoxicity is typically linked to platinum-based drugs. Peripheral neuropathy is also common with other classes of chemotherapy, specifically taxanes and certain alkylating agents. In contrast, the