Challenging Case: A Case Report on Crohn's Disease Emerging after The Initiation of Capecitabine for Colorectal Cancer

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract. This group of  disorders includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Diagnosis of IBD involves a comprehensive approach that combines medical  history, physical examination, laboratory tests, endoscopy, imaging, and occasionally biopsy of intestinal tissue. Patients with IBD have an  increased risk of developing colorectal adenocarcinoma, a type of colorectal cancer. However, IBD induced by surgical resections of  the intestines or chemotherapy drugs is extremely rare.

Objective: This study aimed to throw the light on the importance of careful  evaluation and accurate diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of both types of IBD.

Subject and methods: This  abstract presents a challenging case in which a patient was initially suspected to have chemotherapy-induced colitis but was ultimately diagnosed with IBD-associated colorectal cancer.

Results: The case highlighted the importance of careful evaluation and accurate  diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of both IBD, as the treatment approaches and prognoses can significantly  differ between the two conditions.

Conclusion: Capecitabine, commonly used in cancer treatment, can induce colitis with symptoms that  overlap with those of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Distinguishing between capecitabine-induced colitis and IBD is challenging due  to similar clinical presentations. Discontinuation of capecitabine often leads to symptom improvement, but in IBD cases, additional  therapies like steroids and biologics may be necessary. Close monitoring and further evaluation are crucial for accurate diagnosis and  appropriate treatment strategies in patients experiencing gastrointestinal toxicity from capecitabinebased chemotherapy.