Capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity mimicking myocardial infarction

Abstract

Capecitabine, a fluoropyrimidine derivative, is an orally administered drug that delivers 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) selectively to the tumour. The drug has demonstrated activity in metastatic colorectal cancer. We describe a male patient receiving capecitabine therapy with typical chest pain and electrocardiographic changes consistent with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. Capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity may develop in patients who have had a previous episode of 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity. Capecitabine-induced cardiotoxicity is a rare condition that may lead to diagnostic and therapeutic dilemmas.