Archives of Medical Science

Abstract

2/2009 vol. 5

Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil in a young colorectal cancer patient – case report and review of literature

Arch Med Sci 2009; 5, 2: 277-280
Online publish date: 2009/07/23
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Pyrimidine analogues such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are widely used in adjuvant and palliative treatment of various solid tumours. However, their administration may be associated with severe adverse events such as myelosuppression, mucositis or cardiotoxicity. Cardiotoxicity is a relatively rare event but its fatal outcomes occur at a rate of 2.2-13.3%. Since 5-fluorouracil is widely used in medical oncology, cardiotoxicity associated with its administration may significantly impair treatment of patients with cancers sensitive to pyrimidine analogues. This article reviews fluoropyrimidine-associated cardiotoxicity and presents a case report of a young woman who experienced this complication during 5-fluorouracil treatment.
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