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Optimizing quality of life: integrating palliative care for patients with hand-foot syndrome in oncology practice
  1. Divya Sai Vanumu1,
  2. Praveen Kumar Kodisharapu1,
  3. Praneeth Suvvari1,
  4. Basanth Kumar Rayani2,
  5. Nikhil Pathi3,
  6. Rohan Tewani3 and
  7. Senthil J Rajappa3
  1. 1Pain & Palliative Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  2. 2Onco-Anaesthesiology, Pain & Palliative Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  3. 3Department of Medical Oncology, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
  1. Correspondence to Dr Divya Sai Vanumu, Pain & Palliative Medicine, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; vdivyasai22{at}gmail.com

Abstract

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.

  • Quality of life
  • Symptoms and symptom management
  • Psychological care
  • Education and training
  • Skin
  • Advance Care Planning

https://doi.org/10.1136/spcare-2024-004786

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors DSV, RT and NP: substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work; acquisition, analysis, interpretation of data for the work; PKK, RT and NP: drafting the work, revising; PS, BKR and SR: final approval of the version to be published.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; internally peer reviewed.

    • Supplemental material This content has been supplied by the author(s). It has not been vetted by BMJ Publishing Group Limited (BMJ) and may not have been peer-reviewed. Any opinions or recommendations discussed are solely those of the author(s) and are not endorsed by BMJ. BMJ disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on the content. Where the content includes any translated material, BMJ does not warrant the accuracy and reliability of the translations (including but not limited to local regulations, clinical guidelines, terminology, drug names and drug dosages), and is not responsible for any error and/or omissions arising from translation and adaptation or otherwise.