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Akhtar SS, Wani BA, Bano ZA, Salim KP, Handoo FA. 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Severe but Reversible Cardiogenic Shock: A Case Report. TUMORI JOURNAL 2018; 82:505-7. [PMID: 9063536 DOI: 10.1177/030089169608200522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity is increasingly recognized with variable presentation. We report a patient who developed cardiogenic shock due to high-dose 5-fluorouracil infusion (1,000 mg/m2 every 24 hr for 96 hr). There was no evidence of myocardial necrosis. The patient recovered completely without any residual cardiac dysfunction. The exact cause of 5-fluorouracil toxicity remains to be determined. The case highlights the need for careful monitoring of patients who receive high-dose 5-fluorouracil for the development of cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Akhtar
- Department of Medical Oncology, S.K. Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura Srinagar, Kashmir, India
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Dechant C, Baur M, Böck R, Czejka M, Podczeck-Schweighofer A, Dittrich C, Christ G. Acute Reversible Heart Failure Caused by Coronary Vasoconstriction due to Continuous 5-Fluorouracil Combination Chemotherapy. Case Rep Oncol 2012; 5:296-301. [PMID: 22740819 PMCID: PMC3383295 DOI: 10.1159/000339573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We present the case of a 51-year-old male patient who received adjuvant chemotherapy consisting of oxaliplatin, bolus and continuous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin after anterior resection because of locally advanced rectal cancer. Preoperative chemotherapy with capecitabine (an oral 5-FU prodrug) had been well tolerated. Two days after initiation of the first course of chemotherapy, the patient reported typical chest pain. The ECG showed ST elevations and prominent T waves in almost all leads. Due to suspicion of a high-risk acute coronary syndrome, an urgent cardiac catheterization was performed. It showed a generally reduced coronary flow with multiple significant stenoses (including the ostia of the left and right coronary artery), as well as a highly reduced left ventricular function with diffuse hypokinesia. Due to the meanwhile completely stable situation of the patient after medical acute coronary syndrome treatment, no ad hoc intervention was performed to allow further discussion of the optimal management. Thereafter, the patient remained clinically asymptomatic, without any rise in cardiac necrosis parameters; only NT-pro-BNP was significantly elevated. A control cardiac catheterization 2 days later revealed a restored normal coronary artery flow with only coronary calcifications without significant stenoses, as well as a normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Cardiovascular symptoms occurred on the second day of continuous 5-FU treatment. As cardiotoxic effects seem to appear more frequently under continuous application of 5-FU, compared to the earlier established 5-FU bolus regimens, treating medical oncologists should pay special attention to occurring cardiac symptoms and immediately interrupt 5-FU chemotherapy and start a cardiologic work-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelia Dechant
- Department of Cardiology, Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The syndrome of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-associated cardiotoxicity remains poorly defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a literature review (1969 - 2007) and compiled data derived from 377 evaluable cases out of 448 reported cases. RESULTS Patient age ranged from 14 to 86 years. Of the patients 65% were 55 years old and the male:female ratio was 1.5:1. The most commonly treated tumors were gastrointestinal (60%), head and neck (22%) and breast (4%). Of the patients 14% had a history of heart disease whereas cardiac risk factors were found in 37%. Mode of administration included: continuous infusion (72%); bolus (22.5%); intermediate infusion (3%); oral (2%); and intraperitoneal (1 patient). The dosages of 5-FU used were < 750 mg/m(2)/day (36%), 751 - 999 (16%), 1,000 (26%), 1,001 - 1,499 (4%) and 1,500 (16%). Of the patients 54% received 5-FU in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents (cisplatin 44%) whereas 51% received 5-FU alone or with leucovorin. Only 4% patients had undergone previous or concomitant radiation therapy to the mediastinum. Of cardiac incidents that happened 69% were seen during or within 72 h of the first cycle of 5-FU. Angina occurred in 45% of patients whereas myocardial infarction was seen in 22%, arrhythmias in 23, acute pulmonary edema in 5, cardiac arrest and pericarditis in 1.4 and heart failure in 2. Electro-cardiographic evidence of ischemia or ST-T changes were recorded in 69% of patients, but abnormal cardiac enzymes were found in only 12%. The cardiac symptoms were reproducible in 47%, including in one patient subsequently treated with 5-FU p.o. Symptoms were also elicited when the same patients were treated with lower doses or different schedules. Of the patients 68% responded to conservative anti-anginal therapy, although prophylactic coronary vasodilators had limited efficacy. Overall, 8% of patients showing cardiotoxicity on 5-FU administration died. Furthermore, 13% reexposed to 5-FU died. CONCLUSIONS Our review suggests that 5-FU cardiotoxicity is an infrequent but real phenomenon that is independent of dose and may be related to a continuous infusion schedule. The presence of cardiac risk factors is not predictive. Patients should be observed closely and 5-FU administration discontinued if cardiac symptoms develop. A rechallenge with 5-FU should be reserved only for those patients in whom there is no reasonable alternative therapy and should be performed in the setting of aggressive prophylaxis and close monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wasif Saif
- Yale University School of Medicine, FMP 116, CT 06520, New Haven, USA.
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Kobayashi N, Hata N, Yokoyama S, Shinada T, Shirakabe A, Mizuno K. A case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy during 5-fluorouracil treatment for rectal adenocarcinoma. J NIPPON MED SCH 2009; 76:27-33. [PMID: 19305108 DOI: 10.1272/jnms.76.27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A case of acute heart failure due to Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by 5-fluorouracil is described. Acute heart failure developed during the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and levofolinate calcium in a 62-year-old woman who had underwent a Miles operation for rectal adenocarcinoma. Electrocardiography upon admission showed slight ST elevation in leads V1-3, and follow-up electrocardiography on the third hospital day evealed QT interval prolongation and giant negative T waves in leads II, III, aVF, and V1-6. Echocardiography and myocardial scintigraphy showed left ventricular apical ballooning in the acute phase of heart failure, but left ventricular contraction was normal during the recovery phase. Coronary angiography demonstrated normal coronary arteries, and multi-vessel coronary artery vasospasms including microcirculation disorders could be provoked by intracoronary acetylcholine infusion during, but not before, the intravenous administration of levofolinate calcium and 5-FU. The cause of heart failure in this patient, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by multivessel coronary vasospasm including microcirculation disorders only during 5-FU administration, is notable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Kobayashi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Chiba, Japan.
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Abstract
Among the various deleterious effects of cancer chemotherapy, vascular toxicity is the least well recognized. This lack of recognition may be because the vasculotoxic phenomena are not unique to antineoplastic agents, can occur in patients without exposure to these agents, and the fact cancer itself may produce a hypercoagulable state. As a result, many vascular events either go unnoticed, are ignored, and/or are attributed to the underlying malignancy. Many antineoplastic therapies are associated with various vascular phenomena that range from simple phelibitis to lethal microangiopathy. Recognition of these events is important to minimize the morbidity and even prevent unnecessary deaths. Herein we review the vascular syndromes that have been reported in association with antineoplastic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Shahab
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65203, USA.
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Ceyhan C, Meydan N, Barutca S, Tekten T, Onbasili AO, Ozturk B, Unal S, Bayrak I. Influence of high-dose leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy regimen on P wave duration and dispersion. J Clin Pharm Ther 2005; 29:267-71. [PMID: 15153089 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2710.2004.00556.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-related cardiotoxicity is well known, atrial arrhythmia, as a potentially serious complication has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to determine the P max and Pd in the electrocardiograms (ECG) of patients receiving 5-FU treatment. METHODS Twenty-five patients (mean age: 62 years) receiving a 5-FU bolus plus continuous infusion with calcium leucovorin over 48 h and with normal pre-treatment cardiac physical examinations, ECG and echocardiography were enrolled. P maximum (P max), P minimum (P min) and P dispersion (Pd) (maximum minus minimum P wave duration) were measured from the 12-lead ECG at the 0th and 48th hour of the first chemotherapy cycle. Echocardiography was also obtained in all patients at the same times. RESULTS Clinical cardiotoxicity was observed in two patients. P max and Pd were both significantly longer after 5-FU treatment at the 48th hour (P < 0.001). P min did not change (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION Treatment with 5-FU based regimens may increase Pd and prolong the P max in cancer patients. These alterations may be predictive of patients at risk of atrial arrhythmias during 5-FU treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ceyhan
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University, Aydin 09100, Turkey.
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Libersa C, Gautier S, Said NA, Ferez L, Caron J. Insuffisances cardiaques d’origine médicamenteuse (en dehors des anthracyclines). Therapie 2004; 59:127-42. [PMID: 15199679 DOI: 10.2515/therapie:2004024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The principal drugs implicated in or disclosing cardiac insufficiency are drawn from a review of the literature and observations by the French national pharmacovigilance database, from 1984 to April 2003. Several pharmacological classes are identified: in addition to antimitotic drugs, such as anthracyclines, many drugs are implicated in cardiac insufficiency, e.g. immunomodulators, anti-inflammatory drugs (including coxibs), antiarrhythmic drugs, anaesthetic drugs, antipsychotic drugs, and antidiabetic drugs (including glitazones). It is usual to classify these drugs according to three categories: (i) drugs likely to cause cardiac insufficiency de novo (such as cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, mitoxantrone, interferons, interleukin-2 etc.); (ii) drugs likely to worsen preexisting cardiac insufficiency (such as antiarrhythmics, beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, nonsteroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, sympathomimetic drugs etc.); and (iii) drugs only occasionally causing cardiac insufficiency. This review shows that this classification is, in fact, artificial. If cardiac toxicity is a constant concern when using antimitotic drugs or some immunomodulator drugs, it is advisable to exercise caution in the use of many other drugs when treating patients with cardiac insufficiency, even if the clinical situation is well controlled. In particular, drug-drug interactions and patient medical history must be taken into account.
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Meinardi MT, Gietema JA, van Veldhuisen DJ, van der Graaf WT, de Vries EG, Sleijfer DT. Long-term chemotherapy-related cardiovascular morbidity. Cancer Treat Rev 2000; 26:429-47. [PMID: 11139373 DOI: 10.1053/ctrv.2000.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
As a consequence of the successful use of chemotherapy in the treatment of curable neoplasms such as germ cell tumours and malignant lymphomas, and the increasing application of primary and adjuvant chemotherapy for various tumour types, the number of patients with a prolonged life expectancy after treatment is rising. Attention to long-term side-effects, including cardiovascular toxicity, is therefore of growing importance. In this review we evaluate the literature on long-term cardiovascular toxicity related to chemotherapy in adult patients. Two categories of patient with favourable life expectancy have been reviewed, namely patients cured of metastatic disease by chemotherapy and patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. In the first category, the literature on long-term cardiovascular morbidity in survivors of metastatic testicular cancer and lymphomas is discussed, while in the second category this is done for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy for breast and colon cancer. As well as the direct toxic effects of chemotherapy on the cardiovascular system, the indirect toxic effects such as chemotherapy-related metabolic changes that may cause cardiovascular morbidity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- M T Meinardi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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David JS, Gueugniaud PY, Hepp A, Gaussorgues P, Petit P. Severe heart failure secondary to 5-fluorouracil and low-doses of folinic acid: usefulness of an intra-aortic balloon pump. Crit Care Med 2000; 28:3558-60. [PMID: 11057817 DOI: 10.1097/00003246-200010000-00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To report 5-fluorouracil in combination with folinic acid as a cause of severe nonischemic heart failure and to demonstrate the potential usefulness of an intra-aortic balloon pump. DESIGN Case report. SETTING An adult, 19-bed medical/surgical intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS A patient, who developed severe heart failure secondary to 5-fluorouracil infusion with low-dose folinic acid, which was introduced to treat a rectal cancer, was transferred from a cancer institute to our intensive care unit 4 days after the treatment was initiated. INTERVENTIONS Electrocardiography, determination of level of cardiac enzymes, echocardiography, radial arterial catheterization, mechanical ventilatory support, continuous venovenous hemodialysis, vasopressors, and secondary intra-aortic balloon pump. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS During shock, the patient's systolic blood pressure progressively decreased to 70 mm Hg, despite inotropic agents and vasopressors. Transesophageal echocardiography showed a calculated left ventricular ejection fraction within 20% with global hypokinesia. Electrocardiography showed sinus tachycardia with only nonspecific ST-T changes. Results of serial determination of levels of cardiac enzymes were not significant for myocardial infarction. Treatment with an intraaortic balloon pump was initiated and resulted in a dramatical improvement within 48 hrs. The patient was gradually weaned from vasopressors and the intra-aortic balloon pump. By the tenth day, echocardiography showed a septoapical hypokinesia with a 50% left ventricular ejection fraction. On the 30th day, the echocardiography was considered normal. CONCLUSION Intravenous 5-fluorouracil in combination with low doses of folinic acid can induce severe nonischemic heart failure. In such a case, an intra-aortic balloon pump could be useful by providing left ventricular function support when inotropic agents and vasopressors fail to restore normal hemodynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S David
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Edouard Herriot Hospital, University of Lyon, France.
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Becker K, Erckenbrecht JF, Häussinger D, Frieling T. Cardiotoxicity of the antiproliferative compound fluorouracil. Drugs 1999; 57:475-84. [PMID: 10235688 DOI: 10.2165/00003495-199957040-00003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The antimetabolite fluorouracil (5-FU) is frequently administered for chemotherapy of various malignant neoplasms. The drug is well known for its adverse effects involving bone marrow, skin, mucous membranes, intestinal tract and central nervous system, whereas its cardiotoxicity is less familiar to clinicians. The pathophysiology of fluorouracil-associated cardiac adverse events is controversial and conclusions are based on clinical studies and case reports more than on solid experimental evidence. While clinical and electrocardiographic features suggest myocardial ischaemia as a main aetiological factor, possibly induced by coronary vasospasm, histomorphological and biochemical studies indicate a more direct drug-mediated cytotoxic action. Estimates of the overall incidence of fluorouracil cardiotoxicity have varied widely from 1.2 to 18% of patients. Patients may present with angina-like chest pain, cardiac arrhythmias or myocardial infarction. There is no unequivocally effective prophylaxis or treatment in this syndrome. Once fluorouracil administration is discontinued symptoms are usually reversible, although fatal events have been described. The overall mortality rate has been estimated to be between 2.2 and 13.3%. There is a high risk of relapse when patients are re-exposed to this drug following previous cardiac incidents. From the present data it is concluded that cardiotoxicity is a relevant but underestimated problem in fluorouracil treatment. Since the mechanisms of fluorouracil-associated cardiotoxicity are not yet fully understood, all patients undergoing this chemotherapy have to be carefully evaluated and monitored for cardiac risk factors and complaints. After cardiotoxic events, fluorouracil should definitely be withdrawn and replaced by an alternative antiproliferative regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Becker
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Hospital Florence Nightingale, Diakoniewerk Kaiserswerth, Düsseldorf, Germany
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11
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Abstract
Heart failure is a clinical syndrome that is predominantly caused by cardiovascular disorders such as coronary heart disease and hypertension. However, several classes of drugs may induce heart failure in patients without concurrent cardiovascular disease or may precipitate the occurrence of heart failure in patients with preexisting left ventricular impairment. We reviewed the literature on drug-induced heart failure, using the MEDLINE database and lateral references. Successively, we discuss the potential role in the occurrence of heart failure of cytostatics, immunomodulating drugs, antidepressants, calcium channel blocking agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiarrhythmics, beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, anesthetics and some miscellaneous agents. Drug-induced heart failure may play a role in only a minority of the patients presenting with heart failure. Nevertheless, drug-induced heart failure should be regarded as a potentially preventable cause of heart failure, although sometimes other priorities do not offer therapeutic alternatives (e.g., anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy). The awareness of clinicians of potential adverse effects on cardiac performance by several classes of drugs, particularly in patients with preexisting ventricular dysfunction, may contribute to timely diagnosis and prevention of drug-induced heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Feenstra
- Inspectorate for Health Care, Drug Safety Unit, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Frishman WH, Sung HM, Yee HC, Liu LL, Keefe D, Einzig AI, Dutcher J. Cardiovascular toxicity with cancer chemotherapy. Curr Probl Cancer 1997; 21:301-60. [PMID: 9442980 DOI: 10.1016/s0147-0272(97)80001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- W H Frishman
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
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Abstract
The chemotherapy of gastrointestinal malignancies remain mostly investigational, although several adjuvant protocols in colorectal cancer and anal cancer are beginning to be accepted as standards against which newer regimens are to be compared. Chemotherapy regimens are best understood and appreciated with a basic understanding of cancer biology, tumour cell kinetics, and drug toxicities. An appreciation of chemotherapy-induced toxicity and an awareness of their management will help the gastroenterologist be an active participant in the multidisciplinary team caring for the patient with gastrointestinal malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G D Luk
- Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75216
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Abstract
BACKGROUND A case of reversible cardiogenic shock linked to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was observed. Recognizing the increasing use of 5-FU, the authors tried to map this syndrome. METHODS They reviewed 134 additional case reports, retrieved information from literature searches, focused on clinical features, and discussed possible pathophysiologic findings and prevention of this syndrome. RESULTS Although angina and electrocardiographic changes were common and reproducible (approximately 90% each), coronary artery disease was found in a few patients. A total of 33 patients had severe left ventricular dysfunction, 28 without evidence of myocardial infarction. The symptoms were responsive to conservative management (90%). CONCLUSIONS Cardiac toxicity is a little known complication of 5-FU therapy, with an unknown but significant incidence. It is highly treatable.
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Affiliation(s)
- N C Robben
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710
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Gradishar W, Vokes E, Schilsky R, Weichselbaum R, Panje W. Vascular events in patients receiving high-dose infusional 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy: the University of Chicago experience. MEDICAL AND PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGY 1991; 19:8-15. [PMID: 1990260 DOI: 10.1002/mpo.2950190103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In a retrospective review, 22 of a total of 244 patients (9%) patients with head and neck or gastrointestinal cancer who were treated with infusional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy regimens experienced thrombotic vascular events. These events occurred concurrently with treatment or several months following the completion of therapy and consisted mainly of cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, sudden death, and thromboembolism. The temporal relationship of these vascular events to the time of treatment suggests that infusional 5-FU may have been the underlying cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gradishar
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, IL
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Casas JA, Saway PA, Villarreal I, Nolte C, Menajovsky BL, Escudero EE, Blackburn WD, Alarcón GS, Subauste CP. 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of scleroderma: a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled international collaborative study. Ann Rheum Dis 1990; 49:926-8. [PMID: 2256740 PMCID: PMC1004264 DOI: 10.1136/ard.49.11.926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A six month controlled study of 5-fluorouracil in the treatment of scleroderma showed a modest benefit in skin scores, Raynaud's phenomenon, and patients' global assessment. Visceral organ and hand function were unaffected. Mild to moderate toxicity was common in the 5-fluorouracil treated patients but usually responded to dose reduction. Two patients receiving 5-fluorouracil died from causes seemingly unrelated to treatment. Significant clinical improvement in scleroderma was not noted in the first six months of treatment with 5-fluorouracil.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Casas
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
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Eskilsson J, Albertsson M. Failure of preventing 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity by prophylactic treatment with verapamil. Acta Oncol 1990; 29:1001-3. [PMID: 2278719 DOI: 10.3109/02841869009091790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The most common cardiotoxic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are chest pain and ischemic ECG abnormalities. Coronary vasospasm may be the underlying mechanism. If so, prophylactic treatment with calcium channel blockers might have a beneficial effect. In the present study, prophylaxis with verapamil (120 mg three times daily) was given to 58 patients with esophageal or advanced head and neck carcinoma during induction chemotherapy with cisplatin and continuous infusion with 5-FU. Signs of ischemia appeared in 12% of the patients as compared to 13% in a previously studied compatible group of patients not receiving prophylaxis. The study does not support the hypothesis that prophylactic treatment with verapamil reduces the incidence of ischemia in patients undergoing 5-FU treatment. Verapamil might, however, modify the adverse cardiac effects of 5-FU by preventing supraventricular tachyarrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Eskilsson
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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