Herbal fumigation applied in prevention and treatment of hand-foot syndrome induced by capecitabine:Obervation on its curative effect

ObjectiveTo investigate the curative effect of early application of the herbal fumigation on hand-foot syndrome (HFS) induced by capecitabine.

MethodsA series of 67 patients with gastrointestinal malignancies receiving capecitabine chemotherapy were randomly divided into two groups.The treatment group (34 patients) was treated with herbal immersion and basic care, while the control group (33 patients) with warm water immersion and basic care.The corresponding treatment was adopted as soon as the chemotherapy with capecitabine was started.

ResultsThe incidence and occurrence time of HFS in the treatment group were significantly lower (17.6% vs 42.4%, P=0.027) and later (P=0.032) than that in the control group.The symptoms of pain in the control group were more significant than those in the treatment group (P=0.002).Treatment without herbal immersion (OR=3.280, P=0.040) were independently related to HFS.In the control group, the incidence of HFS in patient taking capecitabine and paclitaxel were significantly higher than those taking capecitabine and oxaliplatine (P=0.047).

ConclusionHerbal immersion has preventive and therapeutic effect on hand-foot syndrome caused by capecitabine.