INCIDENCE AND MANAGEMENT OF CHEMOTHERAPY-INDUCED ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS IN CANCER PATIENTS

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence, pattern, severity, causality, and preventability of chemotherapy-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in cancer patients at a north Indian rural tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods: One hundred cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited for this 12-month prospective observational study. Purposive sampling was employed, and data were gathered through patient interviews, interactions with healthcare professionals, and spontaneous ADR reporting. The Schumock and Thornton scale, the Modified Hartwig and Siegel scale, and Naranjo’s scale were used to evaluate the causation, severity, and preventability of ADRs. Results: Among 100 patients, 58% were female and 48% were aged 41–60 years. A total of 271 ADRs were reported. Combination therapy accounted for 78% of ADRs, while 22% were linked to monotherapy. Gastrointestinal ADRs were the most frequent (38.75%), followed by skin-related and hematological reactions. Most ADRs were classified as mild (84.87%), possible in causality (67.15%), and not preventable (64.94%). Despite ADRs, 77% of patients continued chemotherapy. Conclusion: Chemotherapy-induced ADRs are common and predominantly associated with combination regimens. Strengthening pharmacovigilance and implementing individualized treatment strategies may help to mitigate and address ADR burden, thereby improving patient outcomes.