RESUMO
WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Fingerprinting is recognized as an easily accessible means of personal identification; however, fingerprints can be damaged after administration of some chemotherapy agents that result in hand and foot syndrome (HFS). Fingerprint loss may also be due to reasons unrelated to HFS. This study evaluated the incidence of fingerprint changes in patients treated with capecitabine-containing chemotherapy regimens and its relations to various grades of HFS. METHODS: Seventy-one patients who received chemotherapy with or without capecitabine as part of their regimen were enrolled in the study. Fingerprints were collected once before the initiation of chemotherapy and once after the third course of chemotherapy. The fingerprints were examined by the Iranian Society of Forensic Physicians, for probable changes in the post-chemotherapy states. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled in the capecitabine group and 34 in a comparison group. Fingerprint changes were observed in 25 (67.6%) of the 37 patients in the capecitabine group and none in the comparison group. There was no correlation between the occurrence or severity of HFS and fingerprint changes (P = 0.880). In capecitabine group, the total dose and course numbers of capecitabine were not significant in patients with and without fingerprint changes. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, we recommend notifying patients who are considered for capecitabine therapy about the risk of fingerprint changes before the initiation of treatment, as this may have legal implications.