Cancer Chemotherapy-Induced Adverse Drug Reactions: A Prospective Study Of Role Of Socio-Demographic Factors

Abstract

Background: Cancer chemotherapy is known to be accompanied by adverse drug reactions (ADRs). There is a paucity of documented studies concerning the factors predisposing to these ADRs in the English medical literature. Objective: To evaluate the role played by socio-demographic factors in predisposition to ADRs in patients on cancer chemotherapy. Material and Methods: In this prospective and observational study, outcome of relationship between socio-demographic factors and ADRs occurring in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy in a regional oncology center in Jammu and Kashmir, India over a period of one year was studied. Results: Overall, 90% of the 102 cancer patients expressed ADRs to chemotherapy. As many as 268 ADRs were reported in the study participants. The most common adverse effects were alopecia, nausea, constipation and vomiting. The mean age of the participants was 46.84 ± 15.18 years. The mean age of