Disclosing an In-Frame Deletion of the Titin Gene as the Possible Predisposing Factor of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy has been noted as a non-neglectable issue in the field of clinical oncology. Remarkable progress has been achieved in searching for inherited susceptible genetic deficits underlying anthracycline cardiotoxicity in the past several years. In this case report, we present the preliminary results of a genetic study in a young male patient who was treated with standard dose anthracycline-based chemotherapy for his acute myeloid leukemia and attacked by acute congestive heart failure after just two courses of therapy. After a survey of 76 target genes, an in-frame deletion of the titin gene was recognized as the most possible genetic defect responsible for his cardiomyopathy caused by anthracycline. This defect proved to pass down from the patient′s mother and did not exist in seven unrelated chemotherapy-treated cancer patients without chemotherapy-induced cardiomyopathy and four other healthy volunteer DNA donors.