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ACE Inhibitors and Beta Blockers for the Protection of the Heart among Patients Receiving Intensive Chemotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial tests whether taking medications from a group of drugs called ACE inhibitors and beta blockers help protect the heart while receiving intensive chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Treatment for AML may include chemotherapy with a class of medications called anthracyclines. While this type of medicine can be very effective in fighting AML, it can sometimes cause problems with the squeezing function of the heart. Higher doses of anthracyclines increase the risk of this problem. ACE inhibitors help relax the veins and arteries to lower blood pressure. ACE inhibitors prevent an enzyme in the body from producing angiotensin II, a substance that narrows blood vessels. This narrowing can cause high blood pressure and force the heart to work harder. Angiotensin II also releases hormones that raises blood pressure. Beta blockers cause the heart to beat more slowly and with less force, which lowers blood pressure and may also help to open up the veins and arteries to improve blood flow. Giving ACE inhibitors and beta blockers during and after receiving an anthracycline may decrease the chance of developing a heart problem and/or make it less severe.