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5-Fluorouracil cardiotoxicity
A M Lomeo1, C Avolio, G Iacobellis
1Autonomic Divions of Gynaecologic Oncology, S. Carlo Hospital, Potenza, Italy.
European Journal of Gynaecological Oncology
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Cardiotoxicity from 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a rare but serious side effect. Discontinue 5-FU chemotherapy at the first sign of heart problems.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Adjuvant chemotherapy with the CMF protocol is used for breast cancer treatment.
- 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a common chemotherapeutic agent.
- Cardiotoxicity is a known, albeit rare, adverse effect of 5-FU.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman developed cardiotoxicity 16 hours after her first dose of 5-FU during adjuvant CMF therapy for breast cancer.
- This represents the 67th reported case of 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in the literature.
- No clear age or sex-specific risk factors were identified in previous cases.
Findings:
- The exact risk factors for 5-FU cardiotoxicity remain unclear.
- Pre-existing heart disease and thoraco-mediastinal radiotherapy are suspected, but not confirmed, risk factors.
- An autoimmune mechanism is hypothesized as the cause of 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for cardiotoxicity in patients receiving 5-FU chemotherapy.
- Early recognition and discontinuation of 5-FU are crucial upon the onset of cardiac symptoms.
- Further research into the mechanisms and risk factors of 5-FU cardiotoxicity is warranted.