Fluoropyrimidine (5-FU and Capecitabine) based chemotherapy regimens form the cornerstone of treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Fluoropyrimidines however, are associated with the development of cardiovascular toxicity which can take on different forms including chest pain, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, heart failure and sudden death. The underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular toxicity are not fully understood.
The investigators will use quantitative cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion imaging, CT coronary angiography, extra-cardiac vascular assessments and serum cardiac biomarkers to improve insights into the pathophysiology of fluoropyrimidine cardiotoxicity. All enrolled participants in this two centre study will have GI cancers requiring treatment with fluoropyrimidine chemotherapy.
