Assessment of Drug Related Problems and Prescription Auditing in Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer in a Private Cancer Hospital: An Observational Study
Authors: Akash H Nataraj, Soumya Shivalingappa Morabad, Mallappa Hanumanthappa Shalavadi, Chandrashekar V Mangannavar, Irappa Vithoba Madhabhavi
Indian Journal of Pharmacy Practice, Vol. 18, Issue 3, pp. 315-320, (2025)
Abstract
Background:Chemotherapy stands as a cornerstone in the management of breast cancer, offering substantial benefits in terms of disease control and survival outcomes. However, the complexity of chemotherapy regimens coupled with the potential for Drug-Related Problems (DRPs) underscores the importance of meticulous prescription auditing and proactive intervention to optimize treatment efficacy and safety.Aim and Objectives:Prescription auditing for patients receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer, determining the risk factors linked to breast cancer, and finding drug-related issues with chemotherapy treatments for patients with breast cancer.Materials and Methods:This is prospective observational research that lasted six months. Breast cancer patients who were above 18 years of age and were on chemotherapy along with supportive care medications were enrolled.Results:The study included 100 participants in total. The majority were in the age group of 40-60 years (n=72, 72%). Age is one of the most common risk factors in our study. Prescription auditing revealed that in (n=33, 33%) prescriptions, necessary pre-laboratory tests were not performed, and in (n=2, 2%) of patients, demographic details and dose calculation were missing during a few cycles of chemotherapy. Most commonly reported ADRs were chemotherapy-induced alopecia (n=60, 37%) and chemotherapy-induced anaemia (n=26, 16%). 61% ADRs were probable and 20% ADRs were certain according to the WHO-UMC causality assessment.Conclusion:This study underscores the importance of prescription auditing and careful monitoring of drug-related problems in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Interventions based on these audits significantly enhance treatment safety and efficacy, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Keywords: Alopecia, Anaemia, Breast cancer, Causality assessment, Chemotherapy
