5-FU induced cardiotoxicity: case series and review of the literature

Cai Yuan; Hiral Parekh; Carmen Allegra; Thomas J George; Jason S Starr

doi:10.1186/s40959-019-0048-3

5-FU induced cardiotoxicity: case series and review of the literature

Cardiooncology. 2019 Sep 6:5:13. doi: 10.1186/s40959-019-0048-3. eCollection 2019.

Authors

Cai Yuan¹, Hiral Parekh¹, Carmen Allegra¹, Thomas J George¹, Jason S Starr²

Affiliations

¹ 1Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, 8962 SW 73rd Lane, Gainesville, FL 32608 USA.
² 2Division of Hematology & Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL USA.

Abstract

Background: 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an antimetabolite chemotherapy used for a variety of solid tumors. It has the potential to cause a wide spectrum of cardiotoxicity, ranging from asymptomatic electrocardiographic changes to cardiomyopathy and subsequent cardiac failure. Main body of the abstract: We present two descriptive cases of new-onset severe cardiomyopathy induced by 5-FU followed by a review of the literature.

Conclusion: Our case series emphasizes the importance of early recognition of this rare complication and prompt cessation of 5-FU, as cardiac dysfunction in this context is potentially reversible.

Keywords: 5-FU; 5-fluorouracil; Antimetabolite; Cancer; Cancer complications; Cardiotoxicity; Colorectal cancer; Fluoropyrimidine; Toxicity.

Publication types

Review