Managing 5FU Cardiotoxicity in Colorectal Cancer Treatment
Matthew Anaka, Omar Abdel‐Rahman
Abstract
Matthew Anaka, Omar Abdel-Rahman Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, CanadaCorrespondence: Omar Abdel-Rahman, Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1Z2, Canada, Tel +1 780-432-8290, Fax +1 780-432-8888, Email [email protected]: 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.Keywords: fluoropyrimidine, chemotherapy, adverse events, capecitabine, fluorouracil