Incidence, Clinical Features, and Contributing Factors of Capecitabine-Related Hand–Foot Syndrome in Cancer Patients: Insights from Sudan - Report - MDSpire
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Incidence, Clinical Features, and Contributing Factors of Capecitabine-Related Hand–Foot Syndrome in Cancer Patients: Insights from Sudan
Incidence and Clinical Features of Capecitabine-Related Hand–Foot Syndrome in Sudanese Cancer Patients
Overview
More than half of Sudanese cancer patients receiving capecitabine develop hand–foot syndrome (HFS), a side effect that can impair quality of life and disrupt treatment. Female sex and multiple chemotherapy cycles were associated with lower HFS risk, while absence of concomitant diseases increased susceptibility.
Background
Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) is a common dermatologic toxicity of capecitabine, presenting as erythematous lesions on palms and soles that may progress to severe symptoms. Capecitabine is widely used for solid tumors, but HFS prevalence varies globally and among ethnic groups. Limited data exist on HFS characteristics in Sudanese patients, prompting this study at Khartoum Oncology Hospital to assess prevalence, clinical features, and contributing factors.
Data Highlights
Characteristic
Findings
Prevalence of HFS
Over 50% of patients receiving capecitabine developed HFS
Risk Factors
Female sex and multiple chemotherapy cycles associated with lower HFS risk; absence of concomitant diseases linked to higher risk
Severity Assessment
Used NCI Common Terminology Criteria and a modified scale for Black patients to improve diagnostic accuracy
Key Findings
More than half of Sudanese patients on capecitabine experienced HFS.
Female patients had a lower likelihood of developing HFS compared to males.
Patients undergoing multiple chemotherapy cycles were less likely to develop HFS.
Absence of concomitant diseases increased the risk of HFS.
Use of a modified grading scale improved detection of HFS severity in darker skin tones.
Early recognition and management are critical to maintaining treatment continuity and quality of life.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should monitor for HFS in patients receiving capecitabine, especially males and those without comorbidities, to enable early intervention. Employing grading scales adapted for darker skin tones can improve detection accuracy. Patient education on symptom recognition and timely management may reduce treatment interruptions and improve outcomes.
Conclusion
Capecitabine-induced HFS is highly prevalent among Sudanese cancer patients, with distinct risk factors identified. Tailored assessment and proactive management strategies are essential to mitigate its impact on patient quality of life and treatment adherence.
References
Sudan Oncology Hospital Study 2022 -- Incidence, Clinical Features, and Contributing Factors of Capecitabine-Related Hand–Foot Syndrome in Cancer Patients
