Which chemotherapy agent is commonly associated with hand-foot syndrome?

• A. Some taxanes (e.g., docetaxel)
• B. Capecitabine
• C. Docetaxel
• D. Vincristine

Answer: (B)

Hand-foot syndrome, or palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a dose-limiting skin toxicity most characteristically associated with capecitabine. Capecitabine is an oral prodrug that becomes 5-FU in the body, and drug exposure in the skin of the palms and soles—amplified by friction and sweat glands—leads to painful redness, swelling, and sometimes peeling. Because of this predictable toxicity, dose reductions or interruptions are common when the syndrome develops.

The other agents listed have different principal toxicities: taxanes like docetaxel are more known for neuropathy and mucosal effects, while vincristine is especially neurotoxic. Therefore, capecitabine is the best-known cause of hand-foot syndrome among these options.