Patterns of Adverse Drug Reactions Among Patients Undergoing Cancer Chemotherapy in a Tertiary Care Hospital (Code-T0055)

Introduction: Cancer remains a major global health concern, with chemotherapy being a cornerstone of treatment. Despite advancements, chemotherapy-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are prevalent and contribute to morbidity, healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life.

Aim and Objectives

Aim: To quantify the prevalence of adverse drug reactions caused by anticancer drugs used in cancer treatment in a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Objectives:

1. Evaluate the pattern of adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs.
2. Estimate the frequency of adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs.
3. Estimate the severity of adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs.
4. Evaluate the causality of adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs.
5. To determine the preventability of adverse drug reactions of anticancer drugs.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving patients receiving chemotherapy. Data on demographic profiles, prescribed anticancer drugs, and observed ADRs were collected. ADRs were assessed for causality using the WHO-UMC scale, severity using the Hartwig scale, and preventability using the Schumock and Thornton criteria. Statistical analysis was performed to identify patterns and correlations.

Results: Among the patients studied, 65% experienced at least one ADR, with alopecia, nausea, and myelosuppression being the most common. Platinum-based compounds and taxanes were the drugs most frequently associated with ADRs. Approximately 40% of ADRs were categorized as moderate to severe. Preventability analysis revealed that 25% of ADRs could have been avoided with optimized drug monitoring and supportive care.

Conclusion: ADRs remain a significant challenge in chemotherapy management, underscoring the need for robust pharmacovigilance systems. Regular monitoring, patient education, and tailored interventions can mitigate ADRs, enhancing the safety and efficacy of cancer treatment.

Keywords: Adverse drug reactions, chemotherapy, cancer, pharmacovigilance, tertiary care, drug toxicity.