Dexrazoxane (ICRF-187, ADR 529) protects against the toxic effects on the heart of anthracyclines such as doxorubicin . The drug was not approved for use, however, because of doubts about the protection of antitumor effects as well. The drug may play a role in preventing cardiotoxicity in children, the effects of which show up later in adolescence. Its use also has to be considered in adjuvant programs that include doxorubicin where a long life expectancy might be affected by cardiac events.
L-leucovorin and dipyridamole (persantine) are used to enhance the actions of 5-fluorouracil. Leucovorin's role as an enhancer is somewhat paradoxical, since it was initially introduced as a rescue agent for methotrexate .
