Effects On Cardiac Biomarkers In Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated With FOLFOX

Background: Colorectal carcinoma is treated successfully with 5-fluorouacil and leucovorin in combination with oxaliplatin. Although, the major adverse effects with this combination (FOLFOX) are hematological and gastrointestinal, a few cases of cardiac adverse effects have also reported. The effects on serum markers of cardiac status are yet to be investigated Objectives: The clinical study is designed to assess the effects on cardiac biomarkers and enzymes in patients of colorectal carcinoma undergoing chemotherapy. Methods: Thirty eight patients with histologically confirmed colorectal carcinoma, subjected to different schedules of oxaliplatin based chemotherapy (FOLFOX) were included in the study. The serum biomarkers were assessed after each alternate cycle of treatment and compared with the pretreatment value. The individual case of elevation in cardiac biomarkers (CPK, Tropinin I, LDL and TGS) beyond diagnostic risk level were also assessed. Results: CPK and Tropinin I levels were significantly altered in FOLFOX patients after alternate cycles of treatment. High level of TGS was reported in 48% of the patients in FOLFOX4 treatment arm. Conclusion: The CPK levels and Tropinin I levels were adversely affected in FOLFOX7 schedule.