Zhang, R.X., Wu, X.J., Wan, D.S., Lu, Z.H., Kong, L.H., Pan, Z.Z., & Chen, G. (2012). Celecoxib can prevent capecitabine-related hand-foot syndrome in stage II and III colorectal cancer patients: Result of a single-center, prospective randomized phase III trial. Annals of Oncology, 23, 1348–1353.
To compare the incidence and severity of hand-foot syndrome (HFS) in patients who received capecitabine with and without celecoxib.
Patients were randomized to receive oral celecoxib 200 mg BID or no intervention. Sampling was stratified based on the specific chemotherapy regimen used. Patients were educated on how to prevent side effects of therapy and monitored weekly with telephone calls and monthly clinic visits.
Patients were undergoing the active antitumor treatment phase of care.
This was a randomized, prospective trial.
National Cancer Institute (NCI) common toxicity criteria (CTC), version 4
Celecoxib as used in this trial may delay the onset and severity of HFS in patients receiving capecitabine-based chemotherapy. In addition, celecoxib was not associated with adverse events.
Use of anti-inflammatory medications such as celecoxib may help delay the onset and severity of HFS in patients receiving capecitabine-based chemotherapy. In addition, no adverse events were reported with use as long as six months.