Various Manifestations of 5-Fluorouracil Cardiotoxicity: A Multicenter Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

5-Fluorouracil is a key element to the treatment of colon cancer. But it is also one of the most cardiotoxic chemotherapies, and the management of those that experience cardiotoxicity can be challenging. We present three cases of 5-FU cardiac toxicity that manifested as myocardial infarction, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular fibrillation. Additionally, we discuss the current literature regarding 5-fluorouracil cardiotoxicity mechanisms as well as management.

Keywords: 5-Fluorouracil; Acute myocardial infarction; Arrhythmia; Cardiogenic shock; Cardiotoxicity; Chemotherapy; Colon cancer; Pharmacotherapy; Ventricular fibrillation.