Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used in combination cocktails for treatment of 
childhood hematological cancers and solid tumors. A major factor limiting DOX 
usage is DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. However, it is not known whether 
protectants like dexrazoxane (DXR) and amifostine (AMF) can prevent DOX-mediated 
bone damage. The present study investigated whether administration of AMF alone 
or in combination with DXR would prevent any DOX-mediated bone damage. Male rat 
pups were treated with DOX, DXR, AMF, and their combinations. On neonate day 38, 
the bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and the 
micro-architecture of the lumbar vertebrae were analyzed. We have shown that 
when male rats are treated with DOX, DXR, DOX+DXR, AMF, DOX+AMF or DOX+DXR+AMF, 
there is a decrease in lumbar vertebral BMD (p<0.05). Furthermore, the relative 
bone volume (BV/TV) was decreased by DXR, DOX+DXR, and DOX+AMF treatments. 
Interestingly, DOX+AMF significantly increased BV/TV when compared to DXR 
treatment (p<0.04). The trabecular number (Tb.N) decreased with DXR and DOX+DXR 
and increased with DOX+AMF treatments. This information will be useful in 
designing better cancer combination therapies that do not lead to vertebrae 
deterioration.