Onycholysis associated with capecitabine in patients with breast cancer.

BACKGROUND

Onycholysis, which is separation of the nail plate from the nail bed at its distal and lateral attachments, can cause pain and impair function and is a well-known side effect of traditional chemotherapeutic agents.

OBJECTIVES

We present two cases of onycholysis associated with capecitabine in women with advanced breast cancer, who were initially referred for evaluation of onychomycosis and review the literature on capecitabine.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the increased frequency of use of capecitabine for different cancers, physicians should be aware of this side effect.