The spectrum of 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity.
OBJECTIVE
To report three cases of cardiotoxicity related to the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in patients with cancer.


METHODS
Three patients with gastrointestinal malignancies were being treated with combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy regimens. Two patients developed myocardial ischaemia and the other a ventricular arrhythmia in association with 5-FU administration.


RESULTS
All patients survived the cardiac event. No patient was rechallenged with 5-FU. Radiotherapy was continued, achieving a good tumour response.


CONCLUSIONS
Cardiotoxicity is rarely reported with 5-FU. The cardiac events can be life threatening. It is difficult to predict which patients will be affected. Clinicians need to be aware of this potential toxicity and monitor patients appropriately.
Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute, Melbourne, Vic.
S A
SA
McLachlan
M J
MJ
Millward
G C
GC
Toner
M J
MJ
Guiney
J F
JF
Bishop
D000236:Adenoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D000368:Aged; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004067:Digestive System Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014693:Ventricular Fibrillation / Q000139:chemically induced*
D005472:Fluorouracil