Case Report: FOLFOX-induced vulvar mucositis: a rare side effect of 5-FU
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By
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Magali de Sauvage
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Jeffrey Patterson-Fortin
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June 22, 2026
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Objective:
To describe a rare case of acute vulvar mucocutaneous reaction following FOLFOX chemotherapy in a patient with rectal adenocarcinoma.
Approach:
Key Findings:
- Vulvar mucocutaneous reactions during fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy are extremely rare.
- The case highlights a potential gender disparity in the incidence and severity of 5-FU-induced mucosal toxicity.
- Omission of the 5-FU bolus preserved treatment efficacy while preventing recurrence of this rare toxicity.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
- The rarity of vulvar mucositis may lead to underdiagnosis or underreporting.
- Limited generalizability due to the single case report.
Conclusion: