Cardiotoxicity with 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine: more than just vasospastic angina

Intern Med J. 2010 Apr;40(4):303-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1445-5994.2009.02144.x.

Abstract

In this case series we present a variety of different cardiac toxicities with 5-fluorouracil and its pro-drug capecitabine, including myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, sinoatrial and atrioventricular node dysfunction, takotsubo cardiomyopathy and QT prolongation with torsade-de pointes ventricular tachycardia. We stress the fact that while vasospasm is a well-recognized side-effect of this class of chemotherapeutic agent, broader cardiotoxicity is commonly seen and an increased awareness of the range of toxicity is necessary if repeat toxicity is to be avoided.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Angina, Unstable / chemically induced*
  • Angina, Unstable / diagnosis
  • Capecitabine
  • Cardiotoxins / administration & dosage
  • Cardiotoxins / adverse effects*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / chemically induced
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / diagnosis
  • Coronary Vasospasm / chemically induced*
  • Coronary Vasospasm / diagnosis
  • Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
  • Deoxycytidine / adverse effects
  • Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
  • Fluorouracil / adverse effects*
  • Fluorouracil / analogs & derivatives*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Cardiotoxins
  • Deoxycytidine
  • Capecitabine
  • Fluorouracil