[Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil. Clinical relevance of palliative radiochemotherapy of malignant head-neck tumors].
BACKGROUND
In the past cardiotoxicity has been increasingly reported as 5-fluorouracil is widely used as well in curative adjuvant as in palliative chemotherapy of malignant neoplasms.


METHODS
We report on two cases of 5-fluorouracil-associated cardiotoxicity on palliative treatment of head and neck cancer and evaluate the importance of intensive drug monitoring.


RESULTS
5-fluorouracil-associated cardiotoxicity occurs with an incidence of 1.1-4.5%. Ischaemic cardiopathy due to vasospasms is believed to be the most common manifestation.


CONCLUSIONS
Since most patients with head and neck cancer have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, 5-fluorouracil-associated cardiotoxicity should not be underestimated and patients should be monitored carefully.
Heib
C
C
HNO-Klinik, Westpfalz-Klinikum GmbH, Kaiserslautern.
Schmidt
H J
HJ
Heib
T
T
Lüer
B
B
Stasche
N
N
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003329:Coronary Vasospasm / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010166:Palliative Care; D011859:Radiography; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
D005472:Fluorouracil