[Cardiotoxicity induced by 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine]

Abstract

5-fluorouracil and capecitabine have significant antineoplastic activity towards various solid tumors. Cardiotoxicity causing angina, arrhythmia and infarction are serious adverse events associated with these agents. The pathogenesis is discussed and symptoms of cardiotoxicity, intervention with nitroglycerine and risk factors as cardiac comorbidity are described. Following cardiotoxicity, lack of alternative active agents may provide grounds to rechallenge with 5-FU. In this situation, dose-modified 5-FU-based chemotherapy supported by medical antiangina prevention is feasible.