Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent successfully used in the treatment of a 
wide range of cancers. However, with cumulative doses, doxorubicin also is known 
to have cardiotoxic effects, including cardiomyopathy and heart failure. 
Research is targeted at maximizing the antitumor effects of doxorubicin while 
attenuating the potential cardiotoxicity. Concurrent therapies under study are 
combinations of doxorubicin with drugs such as probucol, carvedilol (Coreg, 
GlaxoSmithKline, Research Triangle Park, NC), dexrazoxane (Zinecard, Pfizer, New 
York, NY), and antioxidant nutrients. As patient advocates, nurses must be aware 
of current research, treatment options, and evidence-based patient resources and 
be diligent in assessing and educating patients before, during, and after 
treatment with doxorubicin.