Hand-foot syndrome (HFS), also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysethesia (PPE), occurs in a 25%-50% of patients treated with several commonly used anti-cancer drugs including capecitabine and sunitinib. These drugs are known to improve survival in many cancers, including cancers of the colon, stomach, liver, breast, kidney, and GI stromal tumors (GIST). Worldwide, over 400,000 patients per year are treated with one of these agents. HFS involves skin changes, such as swelling, peeling, and blistering of the palms and soles, which is often painful and debilitating. As a result, HFS-related symptoms can frequently lead to dose reduction and/or discontinuation of otherwise effective anti-cancer treatment. There is no treatment for HFS other than dose reduction or stopping treatment. This proposal could quickly lead to treatments to prevent and/or treat HFS and help patients avoid debilitating side effects while continuing otherwise effective treatments for their cancer.
Age range
18 Years – 90 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Grade of hand foot syndrome over time as measured by NCI CTC version 4.0 PPE syndrome criteria
Timeframe: Every 2 weeks (sunitinib arm); Every 3 weeks (capecitabine arm)
Assessment of patient reported pain, at rest and when making a fist, using a 1-10 score.
Timeframe: twice daily
Assessment of severity of erythema and desquamation or blistering as measured on 0-4 score from photographs.
Timeframe: Every 2 weeks (sunitinib arm); Every 3 weeks (capecitabine arm)