Cardiomyopathy is a potential side effect of which antineoplastic agent?

Doxorubicin is known to be associated with cardiotoxicity, leading to cardiomyopathy, especially with high cumulative doses. This drug is an anthracycline, which works by intercalating into DNA and inhibiting topoisomerase II, ultimately disrupting the replication and transcription processes in cancer cells. However, one of the significant side effects of doxorubicin is its impact on cardiac muscle cells, where it can cause oxidative stress, leading to cellular damage and heart failure.

Monitoring cardiac function during treatment with doxorubicin is crucial, as early detection of potential cardiomyopathy can allow for interventions that may minimize damage. In contrast, while other chemotherapy drugs can have various side effects, they are not primarily linked to cardiomyopathy as doxorubicin is. Thus, doxorubicin stands out as the antineoplastic agent most commonly associated with this particular and serious side effect.