title: [Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil. Clinical relevance of palliative radiochemotherapy of malignant head-neck tumors].
abstract: 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.
authors: HNO-Klinik, Westpfalz-Klinikum GmbH, Kaiserslautern.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Heib
authors: H J
authors: HJ
authors: Schmidt
authors: T
authors: T
authors: Heib
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Lüer
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Stasche
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D005472:Fluorouracil