Capecitabine induced colitis

Abstract

Capecitabine is an oral prodrug to 5-fluorouracil and is commonly used in the treatment of advanced breast, colon and stomach cancer. While gastrointestinal toxicity is common, enterocolitis and ischemic colitis are uncommon complications and the histologic features of capecitabine in the colonic mucosa have not been previously described. We present a case of colitis attributed to capecitabine toxicity in a 45-year-old man undergoing treatment of metastatic gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms of capecitabine toxicity are discussed and the histologic effects on the colon are described.

Keywords: Adverse effects; Capecitabine; Chemotherapy; Ischemic colitis.