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Assessing the outcomes of cancer treatment at Erode Cancer Centre – A pilot study

  • At: PPR SIG 2021 (2021)
  • Type: Digital
  • By: SUKUMARAN, Bhavatharini (Department of Pharmacy Practice, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Ooty, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India, India)
  • Co-author(s): Bhavatharini Sukumaran, Jincy James, Krishnaveni Kandasamy, Sambathkumar Ramanathan, Saravanan Govindaraj, Velavan Kandappan
  • Abstract:

    Introduction

    With an increase in new drug marketing, variances in prescribing and consumption patterns, growing concern about delayed side effects, drug costs, and prescription volume, prescription pattern, adverse drug reactions (ADR) and drug-drug interactions monitoring studies are becoming increasingly important in oncology. Stress triggers depression and anxiety which interferes with cancer treatment.

    Objectives

    • To find out the incidence of different types of cancer • To evaluate the prescribing pattern in cancer patients • To monitor the adverse drug reactions and estimate their causality and severity in cancer patients • To identify the potential drug-drug interactions and classify the level of severity in cancer patients • To determine the level of depression, anxiety and stress in cancer patients

    Methods

    A prospective observational pilot study was carried out on 65 cancer patients for 6 months at Erode Cancer Centre. A socio-demographic questionnaire, Naranjo’s and Hartwig’s scales to evaluate the probability and severity of adverse drug reactions and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 for psychological distress were used. Potential Drug-Drug Interactions (PDDIs) were examined by Micromedex®. Descriptive analysis was performed and outcomes were presented in percentage.

    Results

    Most of the study participants had carcinoma cervix 10(15.3%). The most frequently prescribed anti-cancer drug was cisplatin 48(73.8%). Cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin 6(46.1%) was found mostly of the 13 PDDIs identified. ADRs were commonly experienced with mucositis 18(25%), alopecia 11(15.2%) and vomiting 10(13.8%). 63(87.5%) were probable ADRs and 54(75%) were found to be moderate in severity. The overall psychological distress showed 70.7% depression, 77% anxiety and 66.1% stress.

    Conclusion

    To prevent morbidity and mortality among cancer patients, due consideration should be provided to monitor the rational use of drugs. Proper screening of PDDIs and spontaneous reporting of ADRs can be emphasized by health care professionals with psychosocial care.

Last update 28 September 2023

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