Hand-foot reactions from cancer treatment in palliative care
Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is characterised by tingling, pain, redness and swelling of the hands and feet; it is associated with many cytotoxic chemotherapies, including capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil and doxorubicin.
Hand-foot skin reaction (HFSR) is a skin reaction characterised by the development of calluses on pressure areas such as heels; it can occur in patients treated with BRAF inhibitors, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitors. Both reactions are associated with treatment response.
Skin cooling during chemotherapy may prevent hand-foot syndromeZheng, 2021. Mild cases of hand-foot syndrome and hand-foot skin reaction can be managed with a topical corticosteroid, while moderate to severe cases may require a reduction or cessation of the anticancer therapyKwakman, 2020. Topical lidocaine (lignocaine) can reduce pain associated with hand-foot skin reaction.
For more information on hand-foot syndrome and hand-foot skin reaction, see the eviQ website.