Adverse Drug Reaction of Anticancer Drugs Among Breast Carcinoma Patients of Tertiary Care University Hospital of Central India

Objective: Cancer being a deadly disease and global threat, necessitate the use of anticancer agents. Hence, continuous Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) reporting should be carried out in the oncology departments of health care systems. The objective of the study was to assess commonly prescribed anticancer agents and report ADRs associated with the anticancer treatment. Material and Method: This observational, cross-sectional study was done in the Radiotherapy department of a tertiary care teaching hospital for a period of three months. Female Patients of breast carcinoma attending Radiotherapy department for chemotherapy were included. Patients were enquired about occurrence of any ADRs and details were noted. Preventability and severity of ADRs were assessed by modied Schumock and Thornton scale. Result: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. Nausea was the most commonly reported ADR followed by tingling of feet, vomiting, alopecia and abdominal pain. Conclusion: Inspite of various prophylactic antiemetic treatment majority of patients had nausea and vomiting which indicates that more vigorous prophylactic measures to prevent emesis need to be undertaken since these ADRs of the antineoplastic drugs are usually preventable.