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.