Abstract

CAPECITABINE INDUCED HAND-FOOT SYNDROME IN COLON CANCER PATIENTS -A CASE REPORT OF TWO CASES

Dr. Syeda Zaineb Humaira Hussaini*, Talha Jabeen, Mohd. Abdul Khader, Ledo Thankachan, Mohammed Ismail and Bhavanam Divya

Abstract

Hand Foot Syndrome (HFS), also known as ―Palmoplantar erythrodysesthesia, Acral erythema‖ is a cutaneous reaction caused by certain chemotherapeutic agents that manifests as varying degrees of dysesthesia, painful erythema, edema and desquamation of palms and soles. In more severe cases, the symptoms interfere with the normal activities of daily living. We report two cases of capecitabine induced HFS who received adjuvant chemotherapy with capecitabine for carcinoma of colon. While on treatment, they developed signs and symptoms of Grade 1 and Grade 2 capecitabine induced HFS. They were managed with reduction of dosage and use of topical emollients. The adverse drug reaction assessment was done using ―Naranjo‘s causality assessment scale‖ which showed ‗probable‘ type of reaction with capecitabine in both the cases. Although Hand-foot syndrome is widely regarded as a non-lifethreatning toxic reaction to cancer treatment, infectious complications of this condition can prove fatal. Prevention, early recognition and implementation of various management strategies for HFS play a vital role in minimizing unfavourable outcomes.

Keywords: Capecitabine, 5FU, Hand-Foot syndrome, Adverse drug reactions, Naranjo‘s causality assessment scale.