B-Receptor Signaling in Cardiomyopathy

Inclusion Criteria:1.) Past exposure to anthracycline chemotherapy for cancer

2.) Echocardiogram at least six months after exposure to anthracyclines (in patients over
the age of 40, the echocardiogram must be obtained within 6 - 48 months of anthracycline
exposure)

3.) Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

We have no age, gender, or ethnic background limitations. Due to the increased frequency of
cardiovascular disease from other causes in adults over 40 years, we will limit enrollment
to those patients with an echocardiogram 6 - 48 months after the completion of
anthracycline exposure. Children will be included and will be eligible if they have an
echocardiogram at least 6 months after completion of anthracycline treatment..

Exclusion Criteria:1.) Congenital heart disease (other than patent foramen ovale)

2.) Pre-existing cardiomyopathy before anthracycline administration

3.) Patients with Down syndrome

4.) Patients receiving B-blocker therapy at the time of anthracycline exposure

5.) Pregnant patients (if their echocardiogram was obtained either during pregnancy or
within three months of pregnancy)

All participants will be cancer survivors. To minimize bias from post-partum
cardiomyopathy, pregnant patients will be excluded if their echocardiogram was obtained
during pregnancy or within three months of pregnancy. HIV-positive persons will not be
excluded from the study.

Of note, some patients receive a MUGA (multigated acquisition) study to evaluate left
ventricular ejection fraction. Patients who receive only a MUGA scan will NOT be included
in the study - an echocardiogram is necessary