Clinical and electrocardiography changes in patients treated with capecitabine

Prevalence, Attributes, and Risk Factors of QT-Interval-Prolonging Drugs and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction Cancer chemotherapy regimens include multiple classes of adjuvant drugs as supportive therapy. Because of the concurrent intake of other drugs (like antiemetics, antidepressants, analgesics, and antimicrobials), there is a heightened risk for possible QT interval prolongation. There is a dearth of evidence in the literature regarding the usage of QT-prolonging anticancer drugs and associated risk factors that have the propensity to prolong QT interval. The purpose was to explore the extent of the use of QT-interval-prolonging drugs and potential QT-prolonging drug-drug interactions (QT-DDIs) in cancer patients attending OPD in a tertiary-care hospital. Methods This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study. Risk stratification of QT-prolonging drugs for torsades de pointes (TdP) was done by the Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (AzCERT)/CredibleMeds-lists, and potential QT-DDIs were determined with four online DDI-checker-software. Results In 1331 cancer patients, the overall prevalence of potential QT-prolonging drug utilization was 97.3%. Ondansetron, pantoprazole, domperidone, and olanzapine were the most frequent QT-prolonging drugs in cancer patients. The top six antineoplastics with potential QT-prolonging and torsadogenic actions were capecitabine, oxaliplatin, imatinib, bortezomib, 5-fluorouracil, and bendamustine. Evidence-based pragmatic QTc interval prolongation risk assessment tools are imperative for cancer patients. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of QT-prolonging drugs and QT-DDIs among cancer patients who are treated with anticancer and non-anticancer drugs. As a result, it's critical to take precautions, stay vigilant, and avoid QT-prolonging in clinical situations. Evidence-based pragmatic QTc interval prolongation risk assessment tools are needed for cancer patients.

Protective effect of thymoquinone nanoemulsion in reducing the cardiotoxic effect of 5-fluorouracil in rats

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), which is one of the most widely used chemotherapy drugs, has various side effects on the heart. Thymoquinone (TMQ), the main bioactive component of Nigella sativa, has antioxidant and protective effects against toxicity. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of thymoquinone against cardiotoxicity caused by 5-FU in vitro and in vivo models. H9C2 cells were exposed to 5-FU and TMQ, and cell viability was evaluated in their presence. Also, 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five control groups, 5-FU, 2.5, and 5 mg TMQ in nanoemulsion form (NTMQ) + 5-FU and 5 mg NTMQ. Cardiotoxicity was assessed through electrocardiography, cardiac enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and histopathology. 5-FU induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells, which improved dose-dependently with NTMQ cotreatment. 5-FU caused body weight loss, ECG changes (increased ST segment, prolonged QRS, and QTc), increased cardiac enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], creatine kinase-myocardial band [CK-MB], and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, nitric acid; decreased glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity), and histological damage such as necrosis, hyperemia, and tissue hyalinization in rats. NTMQ ameliorated these 5-FU-induced effects. Higher NTMQ dose showed greater protective effects. Thus, the results of our study indicate that NTMQ protects against 5-FU cardiotoxicity likely through antioxidant mechanisms. TMQ warrants further research as an adjuvant to alleviate 5-FU chemotherapy side effects.

S, Poddubskaya E, Novikova A, Bykova A, Kopylov P. A single-lead ECG based cardiotoxicity detection in patients on polychemotherapy

Background

Anti-cancer treatment can be fraught with cardiovascular complications, which is the most common cause of death among oncological survivors. Without appropriate cardiomonitoring during anti-cancer treatment, it becomes challenging to detect early signs of cardiovascular complications. In order to achieve higher survival rates, it is necessary to monitor oncological patients outpatiently after anti-cancer treatment administration. In this regard, we aim to evaluate the efficacy of single-lead ECG remote monitoring to detect cardiotoxicity in cancer patients with minimal cardiovascular diseases after the first cycle of polychemotherapy.

Materials and methods

The study included patients 162 patients over 18 years old with first diagnosed different types of solid tumors, planed for adjuvant (within 8 weeks after surgery) or neoadjuvant polychemotherapy. All patients were monitored, outpatiently, during 14-21 days (depending on the regimen of polychemotherapy) after polychemotherapy administration using single-lead ECG.

Results

QTc > 500 mc prolongation was detected in 8 patients (6.6 %), first-diagnosed arial fibrillation was detected in 11 patients (9 %) in period after chemotherapy administration. Moreover, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction using single-lead ECG after polychemotherapy was detected in 49 (40.1 %) patients with sensitivity 80 %, specificity 95 %, AUC 0.88 (95 % CI, 0.82-0.93).

Conclusions

The side effects of cancer treatment may cause life-threatening risks. Early identification of cardiotoxicity plays a vital role in the solution of this problem. Using portable devices to detect early cardiotoxicity is a simple, convenient and affordable screening method, that can be used for promptly observation of patients.

Redefining the Incidence and Profile of Fluoropyrimidine-Associated Cardiotoxicity in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim: The cardiac toxicity that occurs during administration of anti-tumor agents has attracted increasing concern. Fluoropyrimidines have been used for more than half a century, but their cardiotoxicity has not been well clarified. In this study, we aimed to assess the incidence and profile of fluoropyrimidine-associated cardiotoxicity (FAC) comprehensively based on literature data. Methods: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, Medline, Web of Science, and Cochrane library databases and clinical trials on studies investigating FAC. The main outcome was a pooled incidence of FAC, and the secondary outcome was specific treatment-related cardiac AEs. Random or fixed effects modeling was used for pooled meta-analyses according to the heterogeneity assessment. PROSPERO registration number: (CRD42021282155). Results: A total of 211 studies involving 63,186 patients were included, covering 31 countries or regions in the world. The pooled incidence of FAC, by meta-analytic, was 5.04% for all grades and 1.5% for grade 3 or higher. A total of 0.29% of patients died due to severe cardiotoxicities. More than 38 cardiac AEs were identified, with cardiac ischemia (2.24%) and arrhythmia (1.85%) being the most frequent. We further performed the subgroup analyses and meta-regression to explore the source of heterogeneity, and compare the cardiotoxicity among different study-level characteristics, finding that the incidence of FAC varied significantly among different publication decades, country/regions, and genders. Patients with esophagus cancer had the highest risk of FAC (10.53%), while breast cancer patients had the lowest (3.66%). The treatment attribute, regimen, and dosage were significantly related to FAC. When compared with chemotherapeutic drugs or targeted agents, such a risk was remarkably increased (χ2 = 10.15, p < 0.01; χ2 = 10.77, p < 0.01). The continuous 5-FU infusion for 3–5 consecutive days with a high dosage produced the highest FAC incidence (7.3%) compared with other low-dose administration patterns. Conclusions: Our study provides comprehensive global data on the incidence and profile of FAC. Different cancer types and treatment appear to have varying cardiotoxicities. Combination therapy, high cumulative dose, addition of anthracyclines, and pre-existing heart disease potentially increase the risk of FAC.

Case report: Acute toxic myocardial damage caused by 5-fluorouracil—from enigma to success

Considering the pandemic of both cardiovascular diseases and oncological diseases, there is an increasing need for the use of chemotherapy, which through various pathophysiological mechanisms leads to damage to heart function. Cardio toxicity of chemotherapy drugs can manifest itself in a variety of clinical manifestations, which is why establishing a valid diagnosis is a real mystery for clinicians. Acute systolic heart failure (AHF) due to the use of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a rare occurrence if it is not associated with myocardial infarction, myocarditis or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we decided to present a case of an 52-year-old male who was diagnosed with stage IV RAS wild-type adenocarcinoma of the rectum and in whom the direct toxic effect 5-FU is the main reason for the appearance of toxic cardiomyopathy.

Treatment-Related Coronary Disorders of Fluoropyrimidine Administration: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Coronary disorders are recognized as the most common manifestation of fluoropyrimidine-related cardiotoxicity in clinical practice. However, there are limited and conflicting data on the incidence and profiles of fluoropyrimidine-related coronary disorders. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to systematically assess the incidence of all-grade and grade 3 or higher fluoropyrimidine-related coronary disorders, and further explore the factors that influence its occurrence.

Methods: Studies reporting the fluoropyrimidine-related coronary disorders were retrieved from a systematic search of English literature in the PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, and Cochrane database from 1 Jan 2001, to 1 Jan 2022. The NIH assessment tool was used to evaluate the quality of each study. The data of basic study characteristics, treatment details, and results of coronary toxicities were extracted. According to the results of the heterogeneity test (I² and p-value statistic), a random-effect model or fixed-effect model was selected for the pooled analysis of the incidence of adverse coronary events. Subgroup analysis was conducted to further explore the risks influencing the occurrence of fluoropyrimidine-related coronary disorders. The stability and publication bias of our results were evaluated by sensitivity analysis and Egger test, respectively.

Results: A total of 63 studies were finally included in our pooled analysis, involving 25,577 patients. The pooled cumulative incidence of all-grade and grade 3 or higher coronary disorders was 2.75% (95% CI 1.89%–3.76%) and 1.00% (95% CI 0.62%–1.47%), respectively. The coronary disorders were most reported as myocardial ischemia (1.28%, 95% CI 0.42%–2.49%) and angina/chest pain (1.1%, 95% CI 0.54%–1.81%). Subgroup analysis revealed that studies in the female-only population seemed to have a lower incidence of fluoropyrimidine-related coronary disorders. The occurrence of adverse coronary events varied among different tumor types. Patients with esophageal cancer have the highest coronary toxicity (6.32%), while those with breast cancer have a relatively lower incidence (0.5%). Coronary disorders induced by 5-FU monotherapy are more frequent than that induced by capecitabine (3.31% vs. 1.21%, p < 0.01). Fluoropyrimidine combination therapy, whether combined with other chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapy drugs, or radiotherapy, significantly increased the incidence of coronary complications (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: This meta-analysis has defined the incidence of fluoropyrimidine-related coronary disorders and depicted its epidemiological profiles for the first time, which may provide a reference for clinical practice in cancer management.

Cardiotoxicity from Capecitabine Chemotherapy: Prospective Study of Incidence at Rest and During Physical Exercise

BACKGROUND

Physical activity may increase the risk of cardiotoxicity (myocardial ischemia, major arrhythmias) of 5-Fluorouracil, but this risk has never been investigated for its prodrug capecitabine.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred and ninety-two consecutive patients undergoing capecitabine chemotherapy from December 1, 2010 through July 31, 2016 were prospectively evaluated. The baseline evaluation included electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (2DE); a follow-up evaluation, including ECG and exercise stress testing (2DE in case of ECG abnormalities), was done after ≥10 days of treatment. Cardiotoxicity was suspected from ischemic ECG changes, new kinetic abnormalities at 2DE, Lown classification ≥2 ventricular arrhythmia, symptomatic arrhythmias, or positive stress test, and confirmed by a negative stress test after capecitabine washout.

RESULTS

Cardiotoxicity was diagnosed in 32 patients (16.7%): six at rest and 26 during exercise. All 32 patients had ECG abnormalities: ST-segment changes (24 patients), negative T-waves (2) and/or arrhythmias: ventricular arrhythmias (14 cases), supraventricular tachycardia (2), complete heart block (1). Eight patients had typical symptoms, 6 had atypical symptoms, 1 had syncope, 17 (53%) were asymptomatic. Cardiotoxicity was more common in patients with atypical symptoms during daily life (OR = 15.7) and in those on a therapeutic schedule of 5 days/week (OR = 9.44).

CONCLUSION

Capecitabine cardiotoxicity is frequent, and often elicited by physical effort. Oncologists, cardiologists, and general practitioners should be aware of this risk. Active cardiotoxicity surveillance with ECG (and echocardiogram and/or stress testing in suspected cases) during therapy is recommended.

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRO-2010-17.

5-Fluorouracil, capecitabine and vasospasm: a scoping review of pathogenesis, management options and future research considerations

BACKGROUND

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that can cause cardiotoxicity manifesting, among others, as chest pain. Capecitabine is an oral prodrug of 5-FU, with reported preferential activation in malignant cells that may also cause cardiotoxic reactions. Standard treatment of 5-FU and capecitabine induced chest pain with vasodilators is mostly effective, but there are several cases of patients unresponsive to these agents.

METHODS

We performed a PubMed search on 31st May 2020. We used a three keyword search strategy using Boolean search operators. More specifically, we included fluorouracil or 5-FU or capecitabine and chest pain or angina and mechanism or treatment or management. We included primary reports of clinical and non-clinical data, as well as systematic reviews. Narrative reviews, expert opinions, letters to the editor and other forms of non-primary literature were excluded.

RESULTS

Our search yielded a total of 1595 reports. Of these, 1460 were narrative reviews or irrelevant to the topic and were excluded. A total of 135 reports were used for our review. We used 81 reports for data extraction, which included 13 clinical trials, 4 retrospective reports, 61 case reports, and 3 systematic reviews.

CONCLUSION

We report the incidence and predisposing factors, the value of available diagnostic procedures, and standard medical and invasive treatments. We also speculate on the potential benefit of arginine as a promising option both in prevention as well as treatment of 5-FU-induced chest pain. Finally, gaps of evidence are identified and proposals are made in terms of future research.

Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Sinus Bradycardia: A Narrative Review of a Forgotten Adverse Effect of Cardiotoxicity

Cardiotoxicity is a common adverse effect of anticancer drugs (ACDs), including the so-called targeted drugs, and increases morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Attention has focused mainly on ACD-induced heart failure, myocardial ischemia, hypertension, thromboembolism, QT prolongation, and tachyarrhythmias. Yet, although an increasing number of ACDs can produce sinus bradycardia (SB), this proarrhythmic effect remains an underappreciated complication, probably because of its low incidence and severity since most patients are asymptomatic. However, SB merits our interest because its incidence increases with the aging of the population and cancer is an age-related disease and because SB represents a risk factor for QT prolongation. Indeed, several ACDs that produce SB also prolong the QT interval. We reviewed published reports on ACD-induced SB from January 1971 to November 2020 using the PubMed and EMBASE databases. Published reports from clinical trials, case reports, and recent reviews were considered. This review describes the associations between ACDs and SB, their clinical relevance, risk factors, and possible mechanisms of onset and treatment.

Managing 5FU Cardiotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer Treatment

Fluorouracil (5FU) is the backbone chemotherapy agent in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cardiotoxicity represents an uncommon but serious side effect of treatment with 5FU. Here, we review the current literature on 5FU-cardiotoxicity in the setting of CRC specifically, with a focus on data from the modern era of combination chemotherapy. Despite decades of study, there is little consensus on risk factors and biomarkers for 5FU-cardiotoxicity, nor how patients with CRC should be managed following a cardiotoxicity event. Given the elevated risk of recurrent cardiotoxicity on rechallenge, the use of alternative regimens that do not contain 5FU is a critical aspect of management. Data on the cardiotoxicity risk and efficacy of non-5FU regimens in CRC are therefore reviewed in detail.

Cardiotoxicity of Fluoropyrimidines: Epidemiology, Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Management

Cancer is a growing public health problem; it is responsible annually for millions of deaths worldwide. Fluoropyrimidines are highly effective and commonly prescribed anti-neoplastic drugs used in a wide range of chemotherapy regimens against several types of malignancies. 5-fluorouracil and its prodrugs affect neoplastic cells in multiple ways by impairing their proliferation, principally through the inhibition of thymidylate synthase. Fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity was described more than 50 years ago, but many details such as incidence, mechanisms, and treatment are unclear and remain disputed. Severe cardiotoxicity is not only life-threatening, but also leads to withdrawal from an optimal chemotherapy regimen and decreases survival rate. Differences in the frequency of cardiotoxicity are explained by different chemotherapy schedules, doses, criteria, and populations. Proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include coronary vasospasm, endothelial damage, oxidative stress, Krebs cycle disturbances, and toxic metabolites. Such varied pathophysiology of the cardiotoxicity phenomenon makes prevention and treatment more difficult. Cardiovascular disturbances, including chest pain, arrhythmias, and myocardial infarction, are among the most common side effects of this class of anti-neoplastic medication. This study aims to summarize the available data on fluoropyrimidine cardiotoxicity with respect to symptoms, incidence, metabolism, pathophysiological mechanism, diagnosis, management, and resistance.

5-FU Cardiotoxicity: Vasospasm, Myocarditis, and Sudden Death

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most common causes of cardiotoxicity associated with chemotherapy. The manifestations of 5-FU cardiotoxicity are diverse, and there are no established clinical guidelines addressing the diagnosis and management of this condition. Here we summarize the mechanistic and clinical data available to guide clinicians in caring for patients with suspected 5-FU cardiotoxicity.

RECENT FINDINGS

The decision to resume 5-FU treatment in patients with suspected cardiovascular toxicity remains challenging. Testing for predisposing genetic variants may be helpful, particularly in patients with other signs of 5-FU toxicity. Uridine triacetate is a recently approved antidote that can improve clinical outcomes in patients with life-threatening fluoropyrimidine cardiotoxicity. 5-FU cardiotoxicity remains poorly understood, with limited mechanistic or prospective clinical trial data available to define risk factors or effective management strategies. Risk stratification and therapeutic decisions should be individualized, based on the risk-benefit ratio of continuing 5-FU therapy for each patient.

Fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity

Cardio-oncology is a discipline based on early screening, monitoring, and treating chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. There are many chemotherapeutics known for their cardiac toxic effects, including fluoropyrimidines. Fluoropyrimidine represents the cornerstone of many types of cancer and each year almost two million cancer patients undergo this treatment. Fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity can be manifested in several forms, from angina pectoris to sudden death. This paper is a review of how the cardiotoxicity of fluoropyrimidines is presented, the mechanisms of its occurrence, its diagnosis, and management.

In Reply

In response to the letter to the editor by Lestuzzi et al., results of a recently published article on fluoropyrimidine-associated cardiotoxity are clarified.

Incidence and risk markers of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine cardiotoxicity in patients with colorectal cancer

Background: Fluoropyrimidines are mainstay chemotherapeutics in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers and are also used to treat breast cancer and head and neck cancers. However, 5-flourouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine may induce cardiotoxicity that mostly presents as acute coronary syndromes. We compared the incidence of cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU and capecitabine in patients with colorectal cancer and sought to identify risk markers for cardiotoxicity.Methods: We reviewed all consecutive patients with colorectal cancer who received 5-FU or capecitabine at one institution in the neoadjuvant (2007-2016), adjuvant (2000-2016) or metastatic setting (2007-2016).Results: Totally, 995 patients received 5-FU and 1241 received capecitabine. The incidence of cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU was 5.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8-6.6%] and 4.1% (95% CI: 3.0-5.2%) induced by capecitabine (p = .21). The most common events were angina without ischemia (5-FU: 1.6%, capecitabine: 1.3%, p = .53), angina with ischemia on ECG (5-FU: 0.9%, capecitabine: 0.8%, p = .53), unspecified chest pain (5-FU: 0.9%, capecitabine: 0.6%, p = .34), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (5-FU: 0.5%; capecitabine: 0.4%, p = .76) and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (5-FU: 0.7%, capecitabine: 0.5%, p = .50). Cardiac arrest or sudden death occurred in 0.5 and 0.4%, respectively (p = 1). No risk markers for cardiotoxicity induced by 5-FU were identified. In the capecitabine group, ischemic heart disease was a risk marker (odds ratio: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-7.0, p = .016).Conclusions: Five percent of patients treated with 5-FU developed cardiotoxicity and 4% treated with capecitabine. Ischemic heart disease was a risk marker for cardiotoxicity induced by capecitabine.

Cardiotoxicities of 5-Fluorouracil and Other Fluoropyrimidines

OPINION STATEMENT

Fluoropyrimidine (FP) is used to treat a wide range of cancers; however, it is associated with drug-induced vascular toxicity, as well as angina pectoris and coronary spasm. FP has been administered for many years, although the incidence, mechanisms, and appropriate methods for managing its associated cardiovascular toxicities have not been clarified, and the management of these complications has not been standardized. This lack of evidence is not limited to FP. Many trials of anticancer agents have been conducted, excluding patients with heart diseases. Hence, there is a paucity of epidemiological data on cardiovascular adverse events caused by anticancer agents. There have been remarkable improvements in cancer treatment in recent years, with consequent improvements in prognosis. In this context, new cardiovascular toxicities related to new drugs have emerged. We are now compelled to respond to cardiovascular adverse events despite the lack of evidence regarding optimal management. The result has been establishment and rapid maturation of the new academic field of cardio-oncology. Despite the relative lack of evidence, we must review small pieces of evidence that have accumulated to date and make the utmost efforts to provide patients with effective evidence-based medical care. Simultaneously, we urgently need randomized clinical trials to build strong evidence.

From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Management of Antineoplastic Drug-Induced Cardiovascular Toxicity: A Translational Overview

Significance: Antineoplastic therapies have significantly improved the prognosis of oncology patients. However, these treatments can bring to a higher incidence of side-effects, including the worrying cardiovascular toxicity (CTX). Recent Advances: Substantial evidence indicates multiple mechanisms of CTX, with redox mechanisms playing a key role. Recent data singled out mitochondria as key targets for antineoplastic drug-induced CTX; understanding the underlying mechanisms is, therefore, crucial for effective cardioprotection, without compromising the efficacy of anti-cancer treatments. Critical Issues: CTX can occur within a few days or many years after treatment. Type I CTX is associated with irreversible cardiac cell injury, and it is typically caused by anthracyclines and traditional chemotherapeutics. Type II CTX is generally caused by novel biologics and more targeted drugs, and it is associated with reversible myocardial dysfunction. Therefore, patients undergoing anti-cancer treatments should be closely monitored, and patients at risk of CTX should be identified before beginning treatment to reduce CTX-related morbidity. Future Directions: Genetic profiling of clinical risk factors and an integrated approach using molecular, imaging, and clinical data may allow the recognition of patients who are at a high risk of developing chemotherapy-related CTX, and it may suggest methodologies to limit damage in a wider range of patients. The involvement of redox mechanisms in cancer biology and anticancer treatments is a very active field of research. Further investigations will be necessary to uncover the hallmarks of cancer from a redox perspective and to develop more efficacious antineoplastic therapies that also spare the cardiovascular system.

Coronary Artery Vasospasm Induced by 5-fluorouracil: Proposed Mechanisms, Existing Management Options and Future Directions

Cardiovascular disease and cancer are leading contributors to the global disease burden. As a result of cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicities, cardiovascular disease results in significant morbidity and mortality in cancer survivors and patients with active cancer. There is an unmet need for management of cardio-oncology conditions, which is predicted to reach epidemic proportions, and better understanding of their pathophysiology and treatment is urgently required. The proposed mechanisms underlying cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) are vascular endothelial damage followed by thrombus formation, ischaemia secondary to coronary artery vasospasm, direct toxicity on myocardium and thrombogenicity. In patients with angina and electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischaemia due to chemotherapy-related coronary artery vasospasm, termination of chemotherapy and administration of calcium channel blockers or nitrates can improve ischaemic symptoms. However, coronary artery vasospasm can reoccur with 5-FU re-administration with limited effectiveness of vasodilator prophylaxis observed. While pre-existing coronary artery disease may increase the ischaemic potential of 5-FU, cardiovascular risk factors do not appear to completely predict the development of cardiac complications. Pharmacogenomic studies and genetic profiling may help predict the occurrence and streamline the treatment of 5-FU-induced coronary artery vasospasm. Echocardiographic measures such as the Tei index may help detect subclinical 5-FU cardiotoxicity. Further research is required to explore the cardioprotective effect of agents such as coenzyme complex, GLP-1 analogues and degradation inhibitors on 5-FU-induced coronary artery vasospasm.

[Fluoropyrimidines cardiac toxicity: 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, compound S-1 and trifluridine/tipiracil]

The incidence of cardiac toxicity of 5-flurorouracil (5-FU) IV and capecitabine varies from 1.2 to 18%. The physiopathology of this toxicity is still under study, various hypotheses are mentioned. In the absence of identified prophylactic treatment, reintroduction of this cytotoxic is at risk. A discussion between oncologists and cardiologists is essential to estimate the balance between benefit and risk and the careful reintroduction of treatment. An alternative compound might be raltitrexed which is currently the treatment recommended in case of intolerance to fluoropyrimidines. The compound S-1 does not have any cardiac toxicity. Of a total of 2910 patients in phase II or III studies, no grade III or IV cardiovascular events were reported. However, the treatment is not reimbursed in France and therefore not available. The trifluridine/tipiracil, for which approval from French authorities was obtained in November 2016 for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in progress despite standard treatment lines, does not appear to have cardiac toxicity according to studies published to date. The pivotal phase III study (RECOURSE), that led to this marketing authorization, was performed in 800 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer refractory and only one patient (less than 1% of patients) treated with trifluridine/tipiracil presented an episode of cardiac ischemia. Thus, trifluridine/tipiracil, which is well tolerated, could be an alternative to raltitrexed for patients with cardiovascular history contraindicating or discouraging the use of fluoropyrimidines.

5-fluorouracil and cardiotoxicity: a review

Fluoropyrimidines such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) form the foundation of a wide variety of chemotherapy regimens. 5-FU is in fact the third most commonly used chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of solid malignancies across the world. As with all chemotherapy, balancing the potential benefits of therapy against the risks of drug-related toxicity is crucial when clinicians and patients make shared decisions about treatment. 5-FU is the second most common chemotherapeutic drug associated with cardiotoxicity after anthracyclines, which can manifest as chest pain, acute coronary syndrome/myocardial infarction or death. Nevertheless a widespread appreciation of 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity and its implications is lacking amongst clinicians. In this review, we outline the incidence, possible risk factors, and likely pathophysiological mechanisms that may account for 5-FU-related cardiotoxicity and also highlight potential management strategies for this poorly understood clinical entity.

Cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine in Chinese patients: a prospective study

Background

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine-associated cardiotoxicity ranging from asymptomatic electrocardiography (ECG) abnormalities to severe myocardial infarction has been reported in a number of studies, but such cardiotoxicity in Chinese patients with malignant diseases has not been investigated to date. In the present study, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the incidence rates and clinical manifestations of 5-FU- and capecitabine-associated cardiotoxicity in cancer patients recruited from multiple centers in China.

Methods

Among the 527 patients who completed the study, 196 received 5-FU-based chemotherapy and 331 received capecitabine-based chemotherapy as either first-line or adjuvant therapy. Adverse events were reported during the treatment and up to 28 days of follow-up. Outcome measures included ECG, myocardial enzymes, cardiac troponin, brain natriuretic peptide and echocardiography. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were performed for subgroup analysis and identification of significant independent variables that are associated with cardiotoxicity of both agents.

Results

In total, 161 of 527 patients (30.6%) experienced cardiotoxicity. The incidence rate of cardiotoxicity was 33.8% (112/331) in the capecitabine group, which was significantly higher than the rate of 25% (49/196) in the 5-FU group (P = 0.0042). 110/527 patients (20.9%) suffered arrhythmia, 105/527 (19.9%) developed ischemic changes, while only 20/527 patients (3.8%) presented heart failure and 6/527 patients (1.1%) had myocardial infarction. Pre-existing cardiac disease, hypertension, capecitabine-based chemotherapy and duration of treatment were identified as significant risk factors associated with cardiotoxicity. The odds ratio were 15.7 (prior history of cardiac disease versus no history), 1.86 (capecitabine versus 5-FU), 1.06 (5–8 versus 1–4 chemotherapy cycles) and 1.58 (hypertension versus no hypertension), respectively.

Conclusions

Cardiotoxicity induced by fluoropyrimidines in the Chinese population may be underestimated in clinical practice. Close monitoring of patients is recommended, especially for those patients at high risk for cardiotoxicity. Possible risk factors are duration of treatment, capecitabine-based chemotherapy, pre-existing cardiac diseases and hypertension.

Trial registration This study was initiated on January 22, 2014 and has been retrospectively registered with the registration number ChiCTR1800015434

Impact of Drug Induced Long QT Syndrome: A Systematic Review

Background

Drug induced long QT syndrome is quite common in daily clinical practice but its impact is unknown.

Methods

PubMed and EMBASE databases (until May 2, 2017) were searched to identify studies reporting drug induced long QT syndrome and followed the PRISMA guidelines. The main outcomes measured in these studies were QTc prolongation, ventricular arrhythmias, torsade de pointes (TdP) and death.

Results

Out of 176 non-duplicate reports, 36 studies satisfied inclusion criteria and provided data on patients exposed to drugs that can potentially cause long QT. Totally, 14,756 patients were exposed and 930 patients (6.3%) were found to have QTc prolongation. The number of males was 6,400 and females were 5,723 patients. The mean age of the patients was 43.8 ± 9.36 years. Ventricular arrhythmias were found in 379 patients (2.6%), 26 patients were found to have premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). TdP was found in 49 patients (0.33 %), sudden cardiac death (SCD) was found in five patients and 586 patients were found to have all-cause mortality.

Conclusions

Around 6% of patients have risk of QT prolongation when exposed but only 0.3% developed TdP and 2.6% developed ventricular arrhythmias. Risk of developing arrhythmias is higher with concomitant use of multiple QT prolonging drugs.

Antineoplastic Drug-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Redox Perspective

Antineoplastic drugs can be associated with several side effects, including cardiovascular toxicity (CTX). Biochemical studies have identified multiple mechanisms of CTX. Chemoterapeutic agents can alter redox homeostasis by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species RNS. Cellular sources of ROS/RNS are cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, stromal and inflammatory cells in the heart. Mitochondria, peroxisomes and other subcellular components are central hubs that control redox homeostasis. Mitochondria are central targets for antineoplastic drug-induced CTX. Understanding the mechanisms of CTX is fundamental for effective cardioprotection, without compromising the efficacy of anticancer treatments. Type 1 CTX is associated with irreversible cardiac cell injury and is typically caused by anthracyclines and conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Type 2 CTX, associated with reversible myocardial dysfunction, is generally caused by biologicals and targeted drugs. Although oxidative/nitrosative reactions play a central role in CTX caused by different antineoplastic drugs, additional mechanisms involving directly and indirectly cardiomyocytes and inflammatory cells play a role in cardiovascular toxicities. Identification of cardiologic risk factors and an integrated approach using molecular, imaging, and clinical data may allow the selection of patients at risk of developing chemotherapy-related CTX. Although the last decade has witnessed intense research related to the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of CTX of antineoplastic drugs, experimental and clinical studies are urgently needed to balance safety and efficacy of novel cancer therapies.

Fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity

Fluoropyrimidines (5-fluorouracil and capecitabine) are antimetabolite drugs, widely used for the treatment of a variety of cancers, both in adjuvant and in metastatic setting. Although the most common toxicities of these drugs have been extensively studied, robust data and comprehensive characterization still lack concerning fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity (FIC), an infrequent but potentially life-threatening toxicity. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of FIC with special regard to proposed pathogenetic models (coronary vasospasm, endothelium and cardiomyocytes damage, toxic metabolites, dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency); risk and predictive factors; efficacy and usefulness in detection of laboratory markers, electrocardiographic changes and cardiac imaging; and specific treatment, including a novel agent, uridine triacetate. The role of alternative chemotherapeutic options, namely raltitrexed and TAS-102, is discussed, and, lastly, we overview the most promising future directions in the research on FIC and development of diagnostic tools, including microRNA technology.

Incidence, Diagnosis, and Management of QT Prolongation Induced by Cancer Therapies: A Systematic Review

Background

The cardiovascular complications of cancer therapeutics are the focus of the burgeoning field of cardio‐oncology. A common challenge in this field is the impact of cancer drugs on cardiac repolarization (ie, QT prolongation) and the potential risk for the life‐threatening arrhythmia torsades de pointes. Although QT prolongation is not a perfect marker of arrhythmia risk, this has become a primary safety metric among oncologists. Cardiologists caring for patients receiving cancer treatment should become familiar with the drugs associated with QT prolongation, its incidence, and appropriate management strategies to provide meaningful consultation in this complex clinical scenario.

Methods and Results

In this article, we performed a systematic review (using Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines) of commonly used cancer drugs to determine the incidence of QT prolongation and clinically relevant arrhythmias. We calculated summary estimates of the incidence of all and clinically relevant QT prolongation as well as arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. We then describe strategies to prevent, identify, and manage QT prolongation in patients receiving cancer therapy. We identified a total of 173 relevant publications. The weighted incidence of any corrected QT (QTc) prolongation in our systematic review in patients treated with conventional therapies (eg, anthracyclines) ranged from 0% to 22%, although QTc >500 ms, arrhythmias, or sudden cardiac death was extremely rare. The risk of QTc prolongation with targeted therapies (eg, small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors) ranged between 0% and 22.7% with severe prolongation (QTc >500 ms) reported in 0% to 5.2% of the patients. Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death were rare.

Conclusions

Our systematic review demonstrates that there is variability in the incidence of QTc prolongation of various cancer drugs; however, the clinical consequence, as defined by arrhythmias or sudden cardiac death, remains rare.

Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Cardiotoxicity: Manifestations, Mechanisms, and Management

Fluoropyrimidines-5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and capecitabine-have been implicated as cardiotoxic chemotherapy agents. This rare, albeit potentially serious toxicity has been described in nearly four decades of case reports, case series, and in vitro modeling; however, there is a paucity in clinical trials and prospective analyses focused on cardioprotective strategies and cardiotoxic surveillance of these agents. While much attention has focused on the well-known cardiac toxicity of anthracyclines and monoclonal antibody agents such as trastuzumab, fluoropyrimidines remain one of the most common causes of chemotherapy-associated cardiotoxicity. The introduction of capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-FU, has made the treatment of solid tumors more convenient along with a subsequent rise in documented cardiotoxic cases. This review discusses the symptomatology, clinical manifestations, and proposed molecular mechanisms that attempt to describe the heterogeneous spectrum of fluoropyrimidine-induced cardiotoxicity. Four case examples showcasing the varied manifestations of cardiotoxicity are presented. Finally, several proposed management strategies for cardiotoxicity and post-hospital course precautions are discussed.

A case of ventricular fibrillation as a consequence of capecitabine-induced secondary QT prolongation: A case report

Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine which can prolong QT interval. However, there have been no reports that capecitabine induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) due to secondary QT prolongation in patients with no structural heart disease. A 39-year-old woman developed VF during the chemotherapy of capecitabine for colon cancer. At the administration, corrected QT interval (QTc) was prolonged to 559 ms despite no evidence of organic heart disease. Discontinuation of capecitabline normalized the QTc (414 ms). During the follow-up of eight years, neither the QTc prolongation nor the recurrent VF has been detected. We report the rare case of capecitabine-related VF without any organic heart disease. <Learning objective: Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate commonly used to treat colorectal and breast cancer. Capecitabine has been reported to be associated with VF due to vasospasm. However, capecitabine is also associated with QT elongation. This is the first report to describe VF due to capecitabine-related secondary long QT syndrome in a patient with no cardiac heart disease. Physicians must carefully follow up patients during capecitabine chemotherapy with serial electrocardiograms.>.

Incidence and risk factors for capecitabine-induced symptomatic cardiotoxicity: a retrospective study of 452 consecutive patients with metastatic breast cancer

OBJECTIVES

Case reports of capecitabine cardiotoxicity resemble those seen with intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with chest pain as the predominant manifestation, but few studies of capecitabine cardiotoxicity are available. We aimed to determine the incidence of symptomatic cardiotoxicity from capecitabine in patients with breast cancer and to identify risk factors.

METHODS

We reviewed medical records of consecutive women with breast cancer treated with capecitabine (1000 mg/m² two times per day) from 2002 to 2012 at one institution.

RESULTS

22 of 452 patients (4.9%) (95% CI 2.9% to 6.9%) had symptoms of cardiotoxicity (chest pain: n=13, dyspnoea: n=9, palpitations: n=2). 11 patients had changes on ECG (atrial fibrillation: n=5, ST deviations: n=3, T-wave abnormalities: n=2 and QTc prolongation: n=1). 2 patients (0.4%) sustained acute myocardial infarction. 1 patient (0.2%) developed cardiac arrest with lethal outcome. 4 of 6 patients (66%) retreated with capecitabine had recurrent symptoms at retreatment. Cardiac comorbidity (p=0.001), hypercholesterolaemia (p=0.005) and current smoking (p=0.023) were risk factors for cardiotoxicity in univariate analyses and remained significant when adjusted for age. Patients with cardiac comorbidity were 5.5 times (95% CI 2.0 to 14.8) more likely to develop cardiotoxicity. In the subgroup of patients with apparently no cardiac comorbidity, the incidence of cardiotoxicity was lower (3.7%) and hypercholesterolaemia (p=0.035) and current smoking (p=0.020) were risk factors of cardiotoxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of cardiotoxicity from capecitabine resembles that of intravenous 5-FU (≈5%). Cardiac comorbidity, hypercholesterolaemia and current smoking were associated with development of cardiotoxicity.

Repolarization effects of multiple-cycle chemotherapy and predictors of QTc prolongation: a prospective female cohort study on >2000 ECGs

PURPOSE

Oncological patients are at increasing risk of QT prolongation, a risk factor for ventricular arrhythmia. We assessed impact and risk factors for corrected QT (QTc) prolongation during multiple-cycle chemotherapy.

METHODS

We enrolled 100 outpatients initiating chemotherapy in a university center specializing in female cancer. Clinical, drug, laboratory, and 12-lead ECG data collection at baseline and at each chemotherapy cycle was performed.

RESULTS

Enrolled patients were followed for 992 chemotherapy cycles (median 7; interquartile range 6-13); 2438 ECGs were recorded (20; 18-31) 36.8% pre-therapy, 36.8% following chemotherapy, and 22.5% 7-10 days after chemotherapy. Maximum QTc (Max-QTc) was recorded after 4 chemotherapy administrations in >50% of the entire cohort and also within every subset of patients with prolonged QTc (57% 471-480 ms; 54% 481-500 ms; 66% >500 ms). No cumulative effect on QTc was shown. QTc prolongation was comparable among the various protocols. Prophylactic/supportive drugs were not associated with additional QTc prolongation. Variables independently associated with QTc prolongation >470 ms were age (OR 1.056 95% CI 1.006-1.108, p = 0.028) and the baseline-first chemotherapy averaged QTc (BC-QTc) (OR 1.092 95% CI 1.051-1.136), a novel parameter devised for this study. Only BC-QTc maintained significance for QTc >480 ms. BC-QTc >435 ms identified 100 % of patients with Max-QTc >500 ms, 96% with Max-QTc 481-500 ms, and 66% with Max-QTc 471-480 ms. Only 29% of patients with Max-QTc ≤470 ms presented a BC-QTc >435 ms.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results confirm the high prevalence of QTc prolongation after chemotherapy. Most of the patients reached Max-QTc after several cycles. BC-QTc may help in stratifying arrhythmic risk in real-world clinical practice.

Capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity: more evidence or clinical approaches to protect the patients' heart?

Fluoropyrimidines, such as capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil, may cause cardiac toxicity. In recent years, the incidence of this side effect has increased and it is expected to further rise due to the population aging and the disproportionate incidence of breast and gastrointestinal cancers in older individuals. The spectrum of cardiac manifestations includes different signs and symptoms and the diagnosis may be difficult. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old woman with advanced breast cancer who was rechallenged with a capecitabine-based regimen after experiencing a cardiac adverse event during the first fluoropyrimidine exposure. This real-practice case serves as a springboard for discussion about the current evidence on differential diagnosis of capecitabine-related cardiac toxicity, its risk factors, and the underpinning mechanisms of early onset. Moreover, we discussed whether a rechallenge with fluoropyrimidines could be safe in patients who had experienced a previous cardiac adverse event.

Capecitabine induces both cardiomyopathy and multifocal cerebral leukoencephalopathy

Chemotherapy for malignant tumors has diversified, and recognizing its side effects has become more important than ever. Both cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity are rare, but they are among the most serious side effects caused by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Capecitabine is an orally administered prodrug that converts preferentially to 5-FU within tumors, resulting in enhanced concentrations of 5-FU in tumor tissue. Given that it targets tumor tissue, capecitabine was expected to reduce the risk of side effects associated with fluoropyrimidine. Here, we present the case of a 62-year-old man with colorectal adenocarcinoma who simultaneously experienced cardiomyopathy with cardiogenic shock and cerebral leukoencephalopathy during treatment with capecitabine. During emergency coronary angiography, ST-segment elevation and severely reduced left ventricular wall motion were observed; however, no severe coronary stenosis or spasm was revealed. Furthermore, we present a review of the literature on capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity. As of April 2013, 39 case reports on capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity have been published; however, cardiomyopathy was very rare, with only 3 cases reported. It is important for physicians to be aware of the various rare, but potentially serious, adverse effects associated with capecitabine chemotherapy and to inform patients about the possibility of these side effects, including cardiotoxicity and neurotoxicity.

Cardiotoxicity in cancer patients treated with 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine: a systematic review of incidence, manifestations and predisposing factors

PURPOSE

To systematically review the incidence, manifestations and predisposing factors for cardiovascular toxicity in cancer patients treated with systemic 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine.

DESIGN

We searched PubMed, EMBASE and Web of science for studies with ≥ 20 cancer patients evaluating cardiovascular toxicity of 5-fluorouracil and capecitabine. We hand searched the reference lists of all included studies. Study selection and assessment of risk of bias were performed by two authors independently.

RESULTS

We identified 30 eligible studies (1 meta-analyses of 4 RCTs, 18 prospective and 11 retrospective). Symptomatic cardiotoxicity occurred in 0-20% of the patients treated with 5-fluorouracil and in 3-35% with capecitabine. The most common symptom was chest pain (0-18.6%) followed by palpitations (0-23.1%), dyspnoea (0-7.6%) and hypotension (0-6%). Severe clinical events such as myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest occurred in 0-2%. Mortality rates ranged from 0 to 8%. Asymptomatic cardiac influence was demonstrated on ECG, in NT-proBNP measurements and with ultrasonic cyclic variation of integrated backscatter. Predisposing factors were mostly tested in univariate analyses. Preexisting cardiac disease was a risk factor in some studies, but there were divergent results. There was some evidence for increased cardiotoxicity during continuous infusion schedules and with concomitant cisplatin treatment. The effects of previous or current chest-radiotherapy were ambiguous.

CONCLUSION

Larger studies suggest an incidence of symptomatic cardiotoxicity of 1.2-4.3% during fluorouracil treatment, however subclinical cardiac influence are common. Possible risk factors are cardiac co-morbidity, continuous infusion schedules and concomitant cisplatin treatment, but existing evidence are of insufficient quality.