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Abstract

Compositions of matter and methods of using the compositions of matter are disclosed for preventing or reducing cardiotoxicity during or after cancer treatment with anthracycline drugs, and preventing or reducing resistance to anthracycline drugs, both of which are believed to be caused by human enzyme carbonyl reductase. Thus, the compositions and methods may be used to reduce the dosages of anthracycline anti-cancer drugs necessary to produce a desired cancer-cell-killing performance in a cancer patient. The compositions of matter and methods comprise inhibiting enzyme(s) that catalyze formation of metabolites that build up during or after treatment with anthracycline cancer drugs, said metabolites being ones that are believed to disrupt heart muscle processes and therefore to interfere with heart function. Preferred embodiments comprise treating cancer patients with a pharmaceutical composition comprising 2,2'-thio-bis(4,6-dichlorophenol) (also called 'bithionol' or 'bis(2-hydroxy-3,5-dichlorophenyl)sulfide') and/or 2,2'-sulfinyl-bis(4,6-dichlorophenol) (also called 'bithionol sulfoxide') and/or derivatives or analogs thereof.

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First Claim