Related Experiment Videos
[A case of leukoencephalopathy caused by HCFU]
H Kamata1, A Murakami, N Miyagawa
1Dept. of Gynecology, Tokyo Metropolitan Komagome Hospital.
Gan No Rinsho. Japan Journal of Cancer Clinics
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Carmofur (HCFU) chemotherapy for ovarian cancer can cause leucoencephalopathy, a serious brain condition. Despite this risk, HCFU may still be used when necessary due to its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Malignant ovarian granulosa cell tumor (stage Iai) treatment often involves chemotherapy.
- Carmofur (HCFU) is an oral chemotherapy agent used in treating various cancers.
Observation:
- A patient treated with HCFU developed dizziness and loss of consciousness approximately 60 days after administration.
- Cerebral white matter changes consistent with leucoencephalopathy were observed on CT scans.
- Elevated Myelin Basic Protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid correlated with clinical symptoms.
Findings:
- HCFU is metabolized to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its derivatives, crossing the blood-brain barrier.
- Alpha-Fluoro-beta-Alanine, a 5-FU derivative, is implicated as the causative agent of HCFU-induced leucoencephalopathy.
- Other 5-FU modifying agents have also been associated with similar neurological toxicities.
Implications:
- Leucoencephalopathy is a potential neurotoxicity associated with HCFU chemotherapy.
- Careful patient monitoring is crucial during HCFU treatment to detect early signs of neurotoxicity.
- Risk-benefit assessment is necessary when considering HCFU, particularly in patients with potential neurological vulnerability.