Preventing Hand–Foot Syndrome in Patients Receiving Capecitabine

Hand–foot syndrome (HFS) affects up to half of patients receiving capecitabine and can lead to dose reductions and treatment delays. Diclofenac is widely used for prevention, but head-to-head comparisons of prophylactic options are limited. To address this gap, investigators conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 19 randomized trials involving more than 2000 patients with cancer. The analysis compared 13 interventions — including topical and systemic agents — against placebo.