[Hand-foot syndrome induced by chemotherapy: a case study]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Nursing Care

Background:

• Capecitabine chemotherapy can cause severe Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS), impacting patient quality of life and treatment continuity.
• Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) is a common side effect of capecitabine, presenting as painful skin lesions on the hands and feet.
• Management of HFS often involves supportive care, but effective interventions are continually sought.

Observation:

• A patient with Grade 3 Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS) secondary to capecitabine treatment was monitored.
• Nursing interventions included massage with an aqueous-based moisturizer containing aloe vera.
• Lesions were photographed, and functional capacity was assessed using the ECOG Performance Scale over 40 days.

Findings:

• Significant improvement in tissue integrity and complete regression of HFS symptoms were observed.
• The patient experienced a notable gain in quality of life.
• Successful HFS management enabled the patient's immediate return to the chemotherapy regimen.

Implications:

• Aloe vera may be a valuable component of nursing care for managing chemotherapy-induced Hand-Foot Syndrome (HFS).
• This case highlights the potential of topical aloe vera in mitigating severe cutaneous adverse events during cancer treatment.
• Further research into aloe vera's efficacy in HFS management could optimize supportive cancer care protocols.