European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

STUDY OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS TO CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC AGENTS AMONG CANCER PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Geetha Rani A.*, Baby Pon Aruna T., Arumugam V., Meenakshi B and Ezhil Ramya J.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To estimate the incidence of adverse drug reactions to chemotherapeutic agents in cancer patients. Methods: This cross sectional observational study was conducted between December 2016 and February 2017 in Medical oncology ward. Totally 94 cancer patients who fulfilled the criteria were included. A semi-structured proforma was used to record socio-demographic details, and the details of chemotherapy and adverse drug reactions. Causality assessment was done by using WHO-UMC scoring system. Results: Among 94 patients enrolled, 64% female and 36% male. Majority (62%) were in the age group of 51-60years, of lower socio-economic status (78%) and from rural areas (67%). The common types of cancer diagnosed were breast (24%), stomach (15%), ovary (14%), lung (12%), colorectal carcinoma (11%) and Gestational trophoblastic disease (3%). Around 59%, 24%, 14% of patients received two, three and single chemotherapeutic agents respectively. All patients had at least one adverse drug reaction, 31% had two or three adverse drug reactions, while 9% reported more than three adverse drug reactions. Most common cancer chemotherapeutic drugs used were 5-flurouracil(28%) and carboplatin(26%).The commonest adverse drug reaction was alopecia(45%), followed by dermatological reactions(19%), tingling sensation(17%), leucopenia(16%), nausea/vomiting(16%), anemia(13%) and thrombophlebitis(5%). Causality assessment revealed that all the adverse drug reactions were in probable category. Conclusion: All patients receiving chemotherapeutic drugs suffer at least one adverse drug reactions. Consistent monitoring of therapy is needed for early recognition of adverse drug reactions and prompt management.

Keywords: Cancer, chemotherapy, adverse drug reactions (ADR).