Systemic Cancer Therapy‐Related Adverse Drug Reactions and Associated Clinical Outcomes Among Lymphoma Patients at Kenyatta National Hospital

Introduction Combination chemotherapy regimens are the mainstay of treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Their narrow therapeutic indices often result in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that can interrupt therapy, increase resource utilization, and worsen patient outcomes. Data on the burden and characteristics of systemic cancer therapy‐related ADRs among lymphoma patients in Kenya are scarce. Hence, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, types, severity, preventability, and clinical outcomes of systemic cancer therapy‐related ADRs among adult HL and NHL patients treated at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Methods This retrospective cohort study involved 100 adult patients (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with HL or NHL who received systemic cancer therapy at KNH between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were extracted using a structured abstraction tool and included patient demographics, lymphoma subtype, systemic cancer therapy, ADR types, severity, preventability, and associated clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 29.0.01 software. Results Systemic cancer therapy‐related ADRs occurred in 98% of patients, demonstrating a very high burden in this population. The most frequently observed ADRs were anemia (31%), followed by nausea/vomiting (24%) and neutropenia (14%). Most ADRs were mild (51%) or moderate (33%), though 14% were classified as severe. Preventability analysis showed that 57% of ADRs were definitely preventable and 27% probably preventable. Clinical consequences included treatment interruptions (47%), hospital admissions (19%), and ADR‐related mortality in 8% of patients. Conclusion The prevalence of systemic cancer therapy‐related ADRs among lymphoma patients at KNH is extremely high. While many reactions are not severe, most are preventable, indicating gaps in monitoring and regimen optimization. Strengthening pharmacovigilance, early toxicity detection, and individualized regimen selection could help reduce toxicities and improve outcomes for lymphoma patients in Kenya.