Cardioprotective Diet to Prevent Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Open-Label Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives:

Several studies have indicated that dietary interventions may offer protection against the development of cardiac damage in the case of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy (AIC). The goal of this study was to assess whether an evidence-based cardioprotective diet can be effective in preventing AIC in patients with breast cancer.

Design:

Randomized, open-label, controlled trial. The study period was set for 18 weeks, and the data were analyzed by generalized estimating equation modeling and one-way repeated measures analysis of variance.

Setting/Location:

Shahid Rajaie Hospital affiliated (Tehran, Iran).

Subjects:

Fifty anthracycline-treated patients with breast cancer.

Interventions:

Patients were randomized to receive either a 2-hour training in evidence-based cardio-protective diet or Carvedilol 6.25 mg bid.

Outcome Measures:

The primary outcome was the number of patients with abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after 18 weeks.

Results:

At week 18, 12 (48%) out of 25 participants in the cardioprotective diet group had abnormal LVEF in comparison with 21 (84%) out of 25 in the carvedilol group (p = 0.007). Also, 2 (8%) out of 25 in the cardioprotective diet group compared with 7 (28%) out of 25 participants in the carvedilol group had abnormal global longitudinal strain (p = 0.066). The diet group showed significant improvements in the quality-of-life dimensions named “health change” and “general health” compared with the carvedilol group using the Short Form-36 Health Survey questionnaire.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that an evidence-based cardioprotective diet can contribute to the prevention of AIC. Although current treatments for AIC can be effective, further research is mandatory for more options.