IGHG Recommendations for Anthracycline and Anthraquinone Cardiac Dysfunction Equivalence Ratios After Childhood Cancer

Anthracycline and anthraquinone agents are major contributors to cancer therapy–related cardiac dysfunction in childhood cancer. However, evidence-based equivalence ratios for estimating individual risk have not been incorporated into international surveillance guidelines. The International Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Guideline Harmonization Group systematically reviewed the literature on equivalence ratios for doxorubicin, daunorubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin, and mitoxantrone. Based on available evidence, benefit–harm considerations, and expert consensus, the panel concluded that the risk of cardiac dysfunction is lower with daunorubicin and higher with mitoxantrone compared with doxorubicin (moderate-quality evidence; strong recommendation). The panel recommends using an approximate ratio of 0.6 to convert daunorubicin to a doxorubicin-equivalent dose and a ratio of 10.5 for mitoxantrone (low-quality evidence; moderate recommendation). No recommendation was made for epirubicin or idarubicin due to inconclusive evidence.