Capecitabine is used in the treatment of human breast cancer among other human cancers. Following absorption, capecitabine is converted enzymatically to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The administration of capecitabine or 5-FU can cause a cutaneous toxicity known as hand-foot syndrome (HFS) or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE). HFS is progressive with dose and duration of exposure to 5-FU or capecitabine. HFS is characterized by progressive redness and cracking of hands and feet. Currently, there are no approved therapies for HFS.
