Abstract:
Background: Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women worldwide. Advances in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and supportive care have significantly improved therapeutic outcomes; however, evaluation of real-world prescribing practices is essential to ensure rational drug utilization, treatment optimization, and patient safety. Retrospective drug utilization studies provide valuable insights into chemotherapy protocols, supportive medication use, and adherence to evidence-based treatment strategies.
Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate drug utilization patterns in breast cancer patients by assessing demographic characteristics, chemotherapy regimens, premedication strategies, anticancer drug utilization, and discharge medications used during treatment.
Methodology: A retrospective observational study was conducted at Kailash Cancer Hospital, Goraj, involving analysis of medical records of 50 female breast cancer patients aged 18–70 years. Data were collected from patient case records between January 2025 and March 2025. Patient demographics, body weight, body mass index (BMI), body surface area (BSA), chemotherapy details, premedication drugs, anticancer agents, supportive therapies, and discharge medications were evaluated. Drug utilization patterns were assessed based on drug class, dose, route of administration, frequency, and treatment duration.
Results: The study population demonstrated a mean body weight of 54.75 kg, mean BSA of approximately
1.42 m², average body weight reduction of 8.40%, and mean chemotherapy cycle number of 2.3. A total of 104 medications were prescribed across 50 prescriptions, with an average of 4.5 drugs per patient. Premedication protocols primarily included antiemetics, corticosteroids, and protective agents to minimize chemotherapy-associated adverse effects. Ondansetron, dexamethasone, aprepitant, and mesna were commonly utilized supportive medications. Among anticancer agents, paclitaxel was administered in 22 patients, while trastuzumab was utilized in 15 patients, reflecting protocol-based selection according to tumor characteristics and therapeutic requirements. Supportive discharge medications including dexamethasone, lactulose, domperidone, and tramadol-paracetamol combinations were prescribed for management of post-chemotherapy complications such as nausea, constipation, inflammation, and pain.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a structured and rational approach toward breast cancer pharmacotherapy, with chemotherapy selection, supportive care, and discharge medications aligned with contemporary oncology treatment practices. Regular monitoring of drug utilization patterns can help identify prescribing trends, improve therapeutic outcomes, minimize medication-related risks, and support evidence-based optimization of breast cancer management strategies.
Biography:
Dr. Nilay Solanki is an Associate Professor at Ramanbhai Patel College of Pharmacy, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT, India, with over 18.6 years of expertise in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacology. His research focuses on preclinical and clinical studies in diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and translational pharmacology. He actively collaborates with multispecialty hospitals for clinical research and has published more than 80 research articles in reputed journals. Dr. Solanki has received several awards, delivered invited lectures at national and international conferences, and serves as an editor and reviewer for peerreviewed journals. He has also successfully completed various research consultancy projects.
