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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
08:09
A Doxorubicin-induced Cardiomyopathy Model in Adult Zebrafish
Published on: June 7, 2018
Summary
Four patients experienced chest pain after receiving intravenous 5-fluorouracil, a chemotherapy drug. This rare cardiotoxicity complication, potentially linked to prior radiation, requires greater awareness among clinicians.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intravenous 5-fluorouracil is a common chemotherapy agent.
- Cardiotoxicity is a known but infrequent side effect of 5-fluorouracil.
- Left ventricular irradiation is a potential contributing factor to cardiac events.
Observation:
- Four out of 140 patients developed ischemic chest pain.
- Chest pain occurred within 18 hours of the second or third 5-fluorouracil dose.
- Pain recurred in three patients with subsequent doses.
Findings:
- No patients had a prior history of ischemic heart disease.
- Electrocardiograms were normal before dosing in two patients.
- Ischemic chest pain is a potential adverse effect of 5-fluorouracil treatment.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be aware of 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiotoxicity.
- Early recognition and management of cardiac events are crucial.
- Further research into the mechanisms and risk factors for 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity is warranted.
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