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Foot Care During Cancer Treatment: Managing Chemotherapy Neuropathy and Radiation Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist

Last Updated: April 2026 | Reading Time: 15 min

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This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Schedule an appointment for personalized care.

Quick Answer

Cancer treatments — chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy — frequently cause foot problems that significantly impact mobility and quality of life. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) affects 30–70% of patients depending on the drug regimen and can persist for months or years after treatment ends. Hand-foot syndrome, radiation dermatitis, nail changes, and increased infection risk require proactive management. With proper footwear, daily foot care routines, and early intervention, most treatment-related foot complications can be managed effectively without interrupting cancer therapy.

Table of Contents

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Why Cancer Treatment Affects Your Feet

Cancer treatments are designed to target rapidly dividing cells — but this mechanism of action does not perfectly discriminate between cancer cells and normal cells that also divide quickly. The peripheral nerves that supply sensation and motor function to the feet are particularly vulnerable because their long axons (nerve fibers stretching from the spinal cord to the toes) require constant maintenance by cellular transport mechanisms that chemotherapy drugs disrupt. Skin cells, nail matrix cells, and bone marrow cells are similarly affected, producing the constellation of foot problems that cancer patients commonly experience.

The feet are disproportionately affected because they represent the most distal point of the nervous system — the longest nerve fibers in the body reach the toes, making them the most vulnerable to toxicity. Additionally, the feet bear the full weight of the body during standing and walking, so any reduction in protective sensation, skin integrity, or bone density has immediate functional consequences. Understanding which treatments cause which foot problems allows patients and their care teams to implement preventive strategies before complications develop.

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)

CIPN is the most common and potentially most disabling foot complication of cancer treatment. It develops when chemotherapy agents — particularly platinum compounds (cisplatin, oxaliplatin), taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel), vinca alkaloids (vincristine), and proteasome inhibitors (bortezomib) — damage the peripheral nerves that supply sensation to the feet and hands. The result is a progressive “stocking-glove” pattern of numbness, tingling, burning, and pain that typically begins in the toes and advances proximally.

CIPN follows a dose-dependent pattern — symptoms worsen with cumulative drug exposure and may continue to progress for weeks after treatment ends (a phenomenon called “coasting”). Approximately 30% of patients experience symptoms at 6 months post-treatment, and 10–20% develop chronic neuropathy that persists indefinitely. The loss of protective sensation creates the same risks seen in diabetic neuropathy — patients cannot feel blisters, pressure injuries, or wounds forming, leading to undetected tissue damage that progresses silently.

Motor nerve involvement causes weakness in the intrinsic foot muscles, leading to toe deformities (claw toes, hammertoes), altered gait patterns, and balance impairment that increases fall risk. Studies show CIPN patients have a 2–3 fold increased risk of falls, and falls in immunocompromised cancer patients carry significantly higher complication rates than in the general population.

Hand-Foot Syndrome (Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia)

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a distinct toxicity primarily associated with capecitabine, 5-fluorouracil, liposomal doxorubicin, and several targeted therapy agents including sorafenib and sunitinib. Unlike CIPN, which affects nerves, HFS directly damages the skin of the palms and soles through drug leakage from capillaries into surrounding tissue. The condition progresses through three clinical grades of increasing severity.

Grade 1 presents as redness, tingling, and mild discomfort on the soles — often mistaken for contact dermatitis. Grade 2 progresses to painful swelling, peeling skin, and blistering that limits walking and shoe wear. Grade 3 involves severe pain, ulceration, and desquamation that prevents walking entirely and typically requires treatment interruption or dose reduction. Early recognition and management of Grade 1 symptoms can prevent progression to the debilitating Grade 2–3 stages. Cooling the feet with ice packs during infusion, avoiding heat exposure, minimizing friction from footwear, and applying emollient creams prophylactically have all shown benefit in reducing HFS severity.

Nail Changes and Infections

Chemotherapy-related nail changes affect 30–50% of patients and range from cosmetically bothersome to functionally significant. Taxane chemotherapy is particularly notorious for nail toxicity, causing Beau’s lines (horizontal ridges reflecting growth interruption), onycholysis (nail plate separation from the nail bed), melanonychia (dark pigmentation), and complete nail loss. These changes typically begin 2–4 weeks after the first cycle and worsen with subsequent treatments.

The functional impact of nail damage extends beyond aesthetics. Onycholysis creates a space between the nail and nail bed that traps moisture and bacteria, leading to secondary infections (paronychia) that are particularly dangerous in immunocompromised patients. Nail loss exposes the sensitive nail bed to pressure and trauma, making shoe wear painful. Nail changes from taxane therapy are often the toxicity that patients find most distressing because they affect daily activities and are visible reminders of treatment. Preventive measures include cooling the fingers and toes during infusion (cryotherapy), keeping nails trimmed short, avoiding nail trauma, and applying dark nail polish to protect from UV-induced pigment changes.

Radiation Effects on the Feet

While radiation therapy rarely targets the feet directly, patients receiving whole-body radiation (as conditioning for bone marrow transplant) or radiation to pelvic/lower extremity tumors can develop radiation dermatitis affecting the feet. Acute radiation dermatitis presents as redness, dryness, and peeling within the radiation field, progressing to moist desquamation (weeping skin breakdown) in severe cases. Late radiation effects include fibrosis (permanent skin thickening and tightness), chronic dryness, and impaired wound healing in the radiation field.

Lymphedema — chronic swelling from radiation-damaged lymphatic channels — can develop months to years after pelvic or inguinal radiation and significantly affects the lower extremities. Lymphedematous tissue is highly susceptible to cellulitis (skin infection) because the impaired lymphatic system cannot mount an effective local immune response. Patients with post-radiation lymphedema require lifelong compression therapy, meticulous skin care, and immediate antibiotic treatment for any skin break or sign of infection.

Immunosuppression and Foot Infections

Cancer treatment-related immunosuppression creates an environment where common foot conditions become dangerous. Neutropenia — a critically low white blood cell count — is a predictable consequence of most chemotherapy regimens and creates windows of extreme infection vulnerability. Ordinary foot conditions that would be minor inconveniences in healthy patients — an ingrown toenail, athlete’s foot, a small blister — can progress to cellulitis, osteomyelitis, or sepsis in neutropenic patients.

Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) are extremely common in immunosuppressed patients and can be difficult to treat without systemic antifungal therapy, which may interact with cancer medications. Viral warts (verrucae) proliferate during immunosuppression and can become extensive and painful. Patients on chronic immunosuppressive therapy following bone marrow transplant are at particular risk for opportunistic infections including atypical mycobacterial infections and invasive fungal disease that can enter through minor foot wounds. Prevention through meticulous foot hygiene, protective footwear, and immediate attention to any skin break is far preferable to treating established infections in an immunocompromised host.

Graft-Versus-Host Disease and the Feet

Patients who undergo allogeneic bone marrow or stem cell transplant may develop graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), where the donor immune cells attack the recipient’s tissues. The skin is the most commonly affected organ in both acute and chronic GVHD, and the feet are frequently involved. Acute GVHD presents as a rash on the palms and soles that may progress to blistering and desquamation. Chronic GVHD causes scleroderma-like skin changes — thickening, tightening, and contracture of the skin — that limit ankle mobility and make shoe fitting challenging.

Nail GVHD manifests as ridging, thinning, splitting, and eventual permanent nail loss. Joint GVHD causes fasciitis and contractures that can significantly limit ankle dorsiflexion and walking ability. Managing foot GVHD requires coordination between the transplant team and a podiatrist experienced in immunocompromised patients to balance local treatment with systemic immunosuppressive therapy.

Bone Density Loss and Fracture Risk

Multiple cancer treatments accelerate bone density loss, increasing fracture risk in the feet and throughout the skeleton. Aromatase inhibitors used in breast cancer treatment reduce estrogen levels, causing bone loss at rates of 2–3% per year — several times faster than normal postmenopausal loss. Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer similarly impairs bone metabolism. Corticosteroids, frequently used as part of cancer treatment protocols and anti-nausea regimens, cause dose-dependent bone loss and increase fracture risk by 30–50% with chronic use.

For the feet, this accelerated bone loss increases the risk of metatarsal stress fractures, calcaneal insufficiency fractures, and Charcot-like collapse in patients with concurrent neuropathy. Cancer patients receiving bone-density-lowering treatments should undergo baseline and serial DEXA scanning, receive calcium and vitamin D supplementation, and consider bisphosphonate or denosumab therapy when indicated. Weight-bearing exercise — including walking in supportive footwear — helps maintain bone density while the cushioning and support of proper insoles protects vulnerable metatarsals from stress fracture.

Daily Foot Care Routine During Cancer Treatment

A structured daily foot care routine is essential for every cancer patient, particularly those receiving neurotoxic chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments. This routine takes 5 minutes and can prevent complications that would otherwise require hospitalization or treatment interruption.

Morning inspection: Before putting on shoes, visually inspect every surface of both feet — tops, bottoms, between toes, heels, and around nails. Use a mirror or ask a family member to check areas you cannot see. Look for any color change, swelling, blisters, cracks, cuts, or redness. Patients with neuropathy cannot rely on pain to alert them to problems — visual inspection is their primary defense.

Washing: Clean feet daily with lukewarm (not hot) water and mild soap. Test water temperature with your elbow or a thermometer if you have neuropathy — burns from overly hot water are a common and preventable injury. Dry thoroughly, especially between toes where moisture promotes fungal infection. Apply fragrance-free moisturizer to the tops and bottoms of feet, avoiding between toes.

Nail care: Trim nails straight across, not too short, using clean clippers. Avoid cutting cuticles or using sharp instruments near the nail margins. If nails are damaged from chemotherapy, keep them short and protected with a thin layer of clear polish or medical-grade nail hardener. Report any signs of nail infection (redness, swelling, drainage) to your oncology team immediately.

Evening check: Re-inspect feet after removing shoes. Note any new areas of redness, pressure marks that persist for more than 30 minutes, or areas of skin breakdown. Document changes to share with your care team at your next visit.

Footwear Guidelines for Cancer Patients

Proper footwear becomes critically important during cancer treatment when skin integrity, sensation, and immune function are all compromised. Shoes should provide protection from environmental hazards (never go barefoot, even indoors), cushioning to redistribute plantar pressures away from vulnerable areas, adequate room to accommodate swelling (which fluctuates throughout treatment cycles), seamless interiors that eliminate friction and pressure points, and breathable materials that reduce moisture buildup.

Athletic shoes with firm heel counters, deep toe boxes, and removable insoles (to accommodate custom orthotics or therapeutic inserts) are ideal for daily wear. Avoid high heels, narrow dress shoes, flip-flops, and any footwear that exposes toes to trauma or environmental contact. During infusion days and periods of severe HFS, soft-soled slippers with non-slip bottoms may be the most comfortable option. Patients with lymphedema may need shoes one size larger or wide-width options to accommodate fluctuating volume.

When to Call Your Care Team

Cancer patients should have a low threshold for contacting their oncology team about foot concerns. Conditions that would be minor in healthy patients can rapidly escalate in immunocompromised individuals. Call your oncologist or go to the emergency room for: fever above 100.4°F combined with any foot wound or redness (potential sepsis from foot entry point), rapid onset redness and warmth spreading up the foot or leg (cellulitis), any wound that is not improving within 48 hours, new or worsening neuropathy symptoms (may warrant dose adjustment), sudden severe foot pain without injury, and any sign of deep vein thrombosis (unilateral leg swelling, calf tenderness, warmth).

Supportive Products During Cancer Treatment

Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Neuropathic Comfort

CIPN-related burning, tingling, and aching can be debilitating, particularly at night. Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel provides clean, plant-based topical relief using arnica and menthol — ingredients that are gentle on fragile, treatment-compromised skin. The natural formulation is especially important for cancer patients who are already processing multiple medications through overtaxed liver and kidney systems. Topical pain management reduces the need for systemic analgesics that add to the medication burden and may interact with cancer treatments. Apply to soles and toes before bed for overnight neuropathic relief.

DASS Compression Socks — Lymphedema and Swelling Management

Treatment-related edema from lymphatic disruption, prolonged sitting during infusion sessions, and steroid-induced fluid retention create swelling that compromises shoe fit and skin integrity. DASS graduated compression socks at 15–20 mmHg provide gentle, consistent venous support that reduces edema without creating excessive pressure on sensitive skin. The moisture-wicking fabric helps prevent fungal infections by keeping skin dry — critical for immunocompromised patients. Wear during infusion sessions, travel, and periods of prolonged sitting to maintain comfortable foot volume throughout the day.

FLAT SOCKS — Ultra-Gentle Cushioning for Sensitive Feet

For patients with HFS or extreme skin sensitivity where standard insoles create too much contact, FLAT SOCKS provide an ultra-thin cushioning layer that adds comfort without bulk. The seamless construction eliminates friction points that would aggravate fragile skin, while the moisture-wicking fabric keeps feet dry. For HFS patients who can barely tolerate shoe wear, FLAT SOCKS provide the minimum protective layer that makes walking possible during treatment cycles.

Most Common Mistake During Cancer Treatment

🔑 Key Takeaway: Don’t Dismiss Foot Problems as “Minor” During Treatment

A 63-year-old breast cancer patient from Rochester Hills developed numbness in her toes during her third cycle of paclitaxel. She assumed this was “normal” and did not mention it to her oncologist. By the fifth cycle, the numbness had progressed to her ankles and was accompanied by burning pain that disrupted sleep. She also developed a small blister on her fourth toe from a shoe that suddenly did not fit right — she could not feel the friction because of the neuropathy.

The blister became infected during her neutropenic nadir, requiring hospitalization, IV antibiotics, and a 3-week delay in her chemotherapy schedule. Had she reported the initial toe numbness at cycle 3, her oncologist could have adjusted the paclitaxel dose or added neuroprotective measures that might have prevented the severe neuropathy. And had she been performing daily foot inspections with proper fitting shoes, the blister would have been caught and managed before infection developed. Cancer patients must view their feet as high-risk territory that requires the same vigilance as their primary diagnosis.

Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention

Call your oncology team or (810) 258-0001 immediately if you experience:

  • Fever above 100.4°F combined with any redness, warmth, or wound on the foot — potential neutropenic sepsis
  • Rapidly spreading redness or red streaking up the foot or leg — cellulitis requiring urgent antibiotics
  • Any foot wound with drainage, foul odor, or surrounding warmth — infection in immunocompromised host
  • Sudden worsening of neuropathy or new weakness in feet — may require treatment dose modification
  • Severe blistering or skin peeling on soles — Grade 2–3 hand-foot syndrome needing intervention
  • Unilateral leg swelling with calf tenderness — possible deep vein thrombosis (common in cancer patients)
  • New inability to feel temperature or pressure on feet — progressive neuropathy requiring urgent evaluation
  • Black or blue discoloration of toes — possible vascular compromise or thrombotic event

Cancer patients have reduced ability to fight infections. What would be a minor foot problem in a healthy person can become a serious complication during treatment.

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HOKA Ora 3 — protects diabetic feet from barefoot injury at home.

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Diabetic Foot Exam 2 - Balance Foot & Ankle

When to See a Podiatrist

One unnoticed blister on a neuropathic foot can become a limb-threatening ulcer in under 14 days. Medicare covers diabetic shoes (A5500) and comprehensive foot exams annually for most diabetic patients with neuropathy or circulation concerns. Balance Foot & Ankle runs a dedicated diabetic limb-preservation program — vascular screening, offloading, ulcer care, and shoe fitting — all in one visit. Schedule your annual diabetic foot exam today.

Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402  ·  Book online  ·  Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills

Frequently Asked Questions About Foot Care During Cancer Treatment

Will chemotherapy neuropathy in my feet go away after treatment?

Recovery varies significantly by drug and individual. Approximately 70% of patients experience some improvement within 6–12 months after completing treatment. However, 10–20% develop chronic neuropathy that persists indefinitely. Taxane-induced neuropathy tends to improve more reliably than platinum-induced neuropathy. Early reporting of symptoms allows dose modifications that limit cumulative nerve damage and improve long-term recovery prospects.

Can I get a pedicure during cancer treatment?

Professional pedicures are not recommended during active chemotherapy or periods of immunosuppression. Salon instruments can introduce bacteria and fungi through micro-cuts in the skin, and the soaking tubs may harbor pathogens. If foot care is desired, have a podiatrist or trained medical professional provide nail care in a clinical setting with sterile instruments. After completing treatment and immune recovery, professional pedicures can resume at reputable salons.

Should I see a podiatrist before starting chemotherapy?

A pre-treatment podiatric evaluation is highly recommended, particularly if you have pre-existing foot conditions (bunions, hammertoes, calluses, ingrown nails). Addressing these conditions before chemotherapy begins — when your immune system is intact and healing is optimal — prevents them from becoming complicated problems during treatment. A podiatrist can also provide baseline neuropathy testing, custom orthotics, and a preventive foot care plan tailored to your specific treatment regimen.

Is it safe to exercise and walk during cancer treatment?

Evidence strongly supports maintaining physical activity during cancer treatment — walking programs improve fatigue, mood, treatment tolerance, and survival outcomes across multiple cancer types. However, patients with neuropathy need supportive footwear with proper insoles to maintain balance and protect numb feet. Avoid barefoot walking, uneven surfaces, and activities with fall risk. Listen to your body and modify activity on days when energy is low or blood counts are suppressed.

What can I do about hand-foot syndrome pain?

Management includes keeping feet cool (avoid heat exposure, hot baths, and friction), applying emollient creams containing urea or lanolin multiple times daily, wearing soft-soled shoes with minimal pressure points, using topical analgesics like Doctor Hoy’s gel for comfort, and elevating feet when resting. Report HFS symptoms to your oncologist promptly — dose modifications or treatment adjustments can prevent progression from Grade 1 to the debilitating Grade 2–3 stages.

The Bottom Line on Foot Care During Cancer Treatment

Your feet deserve the same proactive attention during cancer treatment as any other aspect of your care. Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, hand-foot syndrome, immunosuppression-related infections, and bone density loss are predictable, manageable complications — but only when recognized early and addressed systematically. A 5-minute daily foot inspection, proper supportive footwear, gentle skin care, and a low threshold for reporting problems to your care team can prevent the complications that disrupt treatment schedules and reduce quality of life. The goal is to protect your feet so they carry you through treatment and into survivorship with function intact.

In Our Clinic

Diabetic neuropathy patients in our clinic often don’t realize they have it until we put a 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament to the plantar foot and they can’t feel it. Many arrive for an unrelated concern — an ingrown toenail, a callus — and we catch the neuropathy on screening. The conversation then shifts: we need to discuss daily foot inspections, appropriate footwear, the urgency of any blister or open area, and the timing of vascular referral if pulses are diminished. Comprehensive diabetic foot exams are covered by Medicare annually. If you have diabetes, we want to see you once a year even if nothing hurts.

Sources

  1. Hershman DL, et al. “Prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors of adult cancers: ASCO guideline update.” Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2020;38(28):3325-3348.
  2. Lacouture ME, et al. “Hand-foot skin reaction in cancer patients treated with the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and sunitinib.” Annals of Oncology. 2008;19(11):1955-1961.
  3. Winters-Stone KM, et al. “Falls, functioning, and disability among women with persistent symptoms of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.” Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2017;35(23):2604-2612.
  4. Coleman RE, et al. “Bone health in cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines.” Annals of Oncology. 2020;31(12):1650-1663.
  5. Marks DH, et al. “Chemotherapy-induced alopecia and nail changes: a review of the literature.” International Journal of Dermatology. 2022;61(8):901-910.

Watch: Protecting Your Feet During Medical Treatment

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Specialized Foot Care for Cancer Patients

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Dr. Biernacki provides comprehensive foot evaluations for cancer patients including neuropathy assessment, preventive care plans, and coordination with oncology teams at Balance Foot & Ankle. Call (810) 258-0001 or book online.

Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products: See our clinically tested product recommendations for this condition. View Dr. Tom’s recommended products →

When to See a Podiatrist During Cancer Treatment

If you are undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing numbness, tingling, or pain in your feet, a podiatrist can help manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and prevent complications. Early intervention can preserve mobility and quality of life during and after treatment. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we provide supportive foot care for cancer patients at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.

Learn about our neuropathy treatment options
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Clinical References

  1. Hershman DL, Lacchetti C, Dworkin RH, et al. Prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in survivors of adult cancers: American Society of Clinical Oncology clinical practice guideline. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(18):1941-1967. doi:10.1200/JCO.2013.54.0914
  2. Seretny M, Currie GL, Sena ES, et al. Incidence, prevalence, and predictors of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain. 2014;155(12):2461-2470. doi:10.1016/j.pain.2014.09.020
  3. Staff NP, Grisold A, Grisold W, Windebank AJ. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: a current review. Ann Neurol. 2017;81(6):772-781. doi:10.1002/ana.24951

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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Michigan at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.

Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.

Related: Grierson-Gopalan syndrome — another cause of burning feet

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a podiatrist help with neuropathy?
Yes. Podiatrists specialize in foot neuropathy management including nerve testing, diabetic foot monitoring, custom orthotics for protection, and therapies like MLS laser treatment to improve nerve function.
What does neuropathy in feet feel like?
Peripheral neuropathy typically causes tingling, numbness, burning, or sharp shooting pain in the feet. Symptoms often start in the toes and progress upward. Some patients describe it as walking on pins and needles.
Is foot neuropathy reversible?
It depends on the cause. Neuropathy from vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects may be reversible. Diabetic neuropathy is typically managed rather than reversed, but early treatment can slow progression and reduce symptoms significantly.
Medical References
  1. Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
  2. Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
  3. Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
  4. Heel Pain (APMA)
This article has been reviewed for medical accuracy by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM. References are provided for informational purposes.

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