Serial measurements of NT-proBNP are predictive of not-high-dose anthracycline cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients

"BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in predicting. late cardiotoxicity in patients treated with not-high-dose chemotherapy (NHDC), and to compare the predictive value of. NT-proBNP and cardiac troponin I (cTnI).. METHODS: In 71 patients undergoing NHDC with anthracyclines, NT-proBNP and cTnI levels were measured before and 24 h after. each NHDC cycle. Left ventricular (LV) function was assessed by echocardiography at baseline, every two NHDC cycles, at the end. of chemotherapy, and at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up.. RESULTS: During NHDC, only NT-proBNP showed abnormal values. According to NT-proBNP behaviour, patients were divided into. two groups: group A (n¼50) with normal (n¼23) or transiently elevated NT-proBNP levels (n¼27), and group B (n¼21). with persistently elevated NT-proBNP levels. At follow-up, LV impairment was significantly worse in group B than in group A.. %D (baseline–peak) NT-proBNP was predictive of LV impairment at 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-up, with a cutoff of 36%.. CONCLUSION: Serial measurements of NT-proBNP may be a useful tool for the early detection of patients treated with NHDC at high. risk of developing cardiotoxicity."