Pattern of Adverse Drug Reactions Associated with the Use of Anticancer Drugs in an Oncology-Based Hospital of Nepal

Introduction: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. ADRs of anticancer drugs are ubiquitous. However, in Nepal, studies on chemotherapy-induced ADRs are scarce. Thus, this study aimed to assess the ADRs associated with the use of anticancer drugs and their management along with causality assessment and severity of ADRs.

Methods: A prospective cross-sectional observational and single-center study was conducted at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, Nepal, for 6 months. All the patients who fulfilled the study criteria were analyzed to identify ADRs occurring daily. In addition, all collected data were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: A total of 861 ADRs were detected among 102 cancer patients. The mean ± S.D. age of the patients was 49.93 ± 14.27 years, and each enrolled patient experienced one or more ADRs with a mean ± S.D. of 8.44 ± 3.27. The common ADRs observed were fatigue, anorexia, alopecia, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and neuropathy. Cyclophosphamide, either alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents, was responsible for most ADRs. According to Naranjo's causality assessment algorithm, most of the ADRs belonged to the probable (47.1%) category. Majority (54.9%) of the ADRs were moderate in their severity. Proton pump inhibitors, antiemetic, mouth gargle, protein powders, iron tablets, and multivitamin and mineral tablets were commonly used for ADR management.

Conclusions: The occurrence of chemotherapy-related ADRs in each enrolled patient is a crucial concern. The present study highlights the need for active monitoring of the patients to identify and manage ADRs promptly.