Beta-blockers for the primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND: The effects of β blockers on the primary prevention of anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity were controversial. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials of the comparison of β blockers versus placebo in patients undergoing anthracycline chemotherapy. This meta-analysis was performed by using random-effect models. RESULTS: Nine hundred forty participants from 11 trials were included in this meta-analysis. β blockers led to a significant reduction in symptomatic heart failure (risk ratio [RR] 0.29, 95% CI 0.10 to 0.85). Compared with placebo, β blockers were associated with improved left ventricular ejection fraction (mean difference [MD] 4.46, 95% CI 1.77 to 7.15) and s’ (MD 0.78, 95% CI 0.01 to 1.55) in parallel with reduced left ventricular diameter (left ventricular end systolic diameter, MD -3.19, 95% CI -6.17 to − 0.21; left ventricular end diastolic diameter, MD -2.28, 95% CI 4.50 to − 0.05). β blockers also improved strain and strain rate when compared with placebo. There were no significant differences in diastolic function variables between β blockers and placebo except e’ (MD 2.33, 95% CI 0.16 to 4.51). In addition, β blockers compared with placebo reduced the risk of cardiac troponin I elevation > 0.04 ng/ml (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.85). There was no marked difference in adverse events (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.59) between β blockers and placebo. CONCLUSIONS: In cancer patients with anthracycline therapy, prophylactic β blockers were associated with reduced risk of heart failure, decreased left ventricular diameter, improved left ventricular systolic function, and alleviative cardiomyocyte injury. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40360-019-0298-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.