Henna Application in the Prevention of Capecitabine-Induced Hand-Foot Syndrome in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Patients

Optimizing quality of life: integrating palliative care for patients with hand-foot syndrome in oncology practice

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) emerges as one of the common dermatological side effects associated with anticancer medications such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), capecitabine and docetaxel. This condition can be notably debilitating, exerting a predominant impact on the clinical, functional and psychosocial domains of health. With prevalence rates of HFS, ranging from 43% to 71%, there exists an unmet need among palliative care physicians to comprehend this syndrome in addressing physical, psychological dimensions and its integrated management within healthcare. This understanding enables them to adopt diverse approaches aimed at preserving the quality of life for patients, by enhancing the overall healthcare experience. Our primary objective is to underscore the imperative for the high-quality integration of palliative care with respect to HFS in contemporary oncology practices. We aim to achieve this by providing evidence-based insights to enhance patient outcomes.The intent of this study: (1) The article delves into the range of symptoms linked to HFS, and stresses the necessity of a holistic strategy and the difference that a palliative physician can contribute during cancer treatment-in picking up certain intricate aspects of patient care and addressing them. (2) The article also highlights the comprehensive approach through the incorporation of quality-of-life assessments, with the goal of enhancing patient outcomes, overall care experience within an integrated healthcare framework.

Topical interventions for preventing hand-foot syndrome resulting from antineoplastic therapy: A scoping review

OBJECTIVE

To map topical interventions used to prevent hand-foot syndrome in cancer patients undergoing antineoplastic therapy.

METHOD

This is a scoping review reported in accordance with the recommendations of PRISMA-ScR (extension for scoping review) and the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual. The searches were carried out in the electronic databases CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; and gray literature (Google Scholar, Pro-Quest).

RESULTS

The searches resulted in 12,016 references and the final sample consisted of 45 studies. A total of 42 topical interventions were identified, including: moisturizing creams, corticosteroids, acids, mapisal, silymarin, and henna. However, urea was the most cited intervention (62%). As for the presentations of the interventions, they varied among creams, ointments, gels, hydrocolloids, decoctions, patches, powders, oils, and soaps.

CONCLUSION

The results allowed reviewing topical interventions, with emphasis on the use of urea and moisturizing creams. However, most of the interventions identified in this review require evaluation in future studies for better understanding of their benefits.