Capecitabine-Associated Terminal Ileitis

Abstract

Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine used as adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Diarrhea is a well-known side effect of capecitabine and 5-fluorouracil agents. We present a case with terminal ileitis as a rare adverse event of capecitabine treatment. Capecitabine-induced terminal ileitis is likely to be underreported. It should be considered more often as a cause of severe and atypical complaints of diarrhea during treatment with capecitabine or other 5-fluorouracil agents.

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Capecitabine
• Fluoropyrimidine
• Terminal Ileitis
• Diarrhea
• Adverse event