Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy-induced adverse drug reactions (ADRs) pose substantial clinical and economic challenges for cancer patients, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study evaluated the incidence, severity, management, and cost burden of chemotherapy-related ADRs in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods
A prospective observational study was conducted among 415 patients receiving chemotherapy between September 2024 and April 2025. Data on ADR profiles, severity, causality, quality of life, medication adherence, and treatment-related costs were systematically collected and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.
Results
The mean age of the study population was 50.42 ± 19.64 years, with hypertension and diabetes being the most common comorbidities (21.0%). Lung cancer (16.1%), lymphoma (15.9%), and prostate cancer (14.9%) were the most frequently reported malignancies. Anemia (33.7%), nausea and vomiting (29.2%), and alopecia (23.9%) were the most common ADRs. Most reactions were moderate in severity (55.9%), followed by mild (29.6%) and severe (14.5%). Nearly half of the patients incurred ADR management costs exceeding ₹10,000. ADR severity was significantly associated with higher economic burden (p < 0.001) and poorer quality of life (p < 0.0001). Medication adherence declined with increasing age, with no patients aged ≥80 years demonstrating high adherence.
Conclusion
Chemotherapy-induced ADRs represent a significant clinical and economic burden. Strengthened pharmacovigilance, individualized treatment strategies, and cost-effective interventions are essential to improve patient safety and optimize oncology care outcomes
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