[Cardiotoxicity in children and adolescents with acute leukemia: Recommendations from the Leukemia Committee of the French Society of Childhood Cancer (SFCE)].
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Cardiotoxicity from anti-leukemic therapies remains a major concern in pediatric hemato-oncology - often subclinical in the short term but potentially life-threatening in the long term. In children, who are exposed to cardiotoxic treatments at an early age and have long life expectancies, a proactive strategy for prevention, early detection, and management is essential. Anthracyclines remain a cornerstone of pediatric acute leukemia treatment but are associated with a risk of heart failure in approximately 10% of cases, particularly at cumulative doses exceeding 300mg/m2 of doxorubicin-equivalent. Dexrazoxane, once controversial, is now supported by robust data demonstrating both safety and cardioprotective efficacy. Its use is recommended alongside anthracyclines in patients receiving a cumulative dose≥300mg/m2 of doxorubicin-equivalent. Other agents - including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, immunotherapies, and CAR-T cells - also carry cardiotoxic potential, warranting tailored monitoring strategies. These multidisciplinary SFCE-endorsed recommendations emphasize the need for early and repeated assessment of cardiovascular risk factors throughout treatment. A dedicated heart team, involving pediatric cardiologists and pediatric hematologists, should coordinate active surveillance, including management of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and systematic imaging with global longitudinal strain, which is more sensitive than ejection fraction in detecting subclinical dysfunction. Prospective pediatric studies are needed to define age-appropriate imaging thresholds, validate the role of cardiac biomarkers, and assess liposomal anthracycline formulations. If confirmed to be both safe and effective, such agents should be integrated into future treatment protocols to enhance long-term cardioprotection without compromising anti-leukemic efficacy.