What is a common side effect associated with the use of antimetabolites?

Hand-foot syndrome, also known as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia, is a common side effect associated with the use of certain antimetabolites, particularly those used in cancer chemotherapy. This side effect is characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. It occurs due to the effects of the drugs on rapidly dividing cells, which are abundant in the skin.

Antimetabolites function by mimicking the natural substances within the cell, disrupting cell division, and interfering with DNA synthesis. The phenomenon of hand-foot syndrome arises because these drugs can impact the skin's epithelial cells, particularly in areas with high friction or pressure, leading to the characteristic symptoms. Understanding this side effect is important not only for managing patient comfort but also for anticipating potential drug dose adjustments or supportive care strategies to mitigate the symptoms.

In the context of the other options, while they represent side effects that may occur with various chemotherapeutic agents, they are not specifically recognized as commonly associated with antimetabolites. Diarrhea and skin rashes can occur with several drug classes, and neuropathy is predominantly linked with other types of chemotherapy, such as taxanes or platinum-based agents. Thus, recognizing hand