Hematologic Toxicity in Patients Undergoing Radical Anticancer Therapy: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Patients in an Oncology Ward in India

Burden of cancer is progressively increasing in developing countries like India which has also led to a steeprise in toxicity due to anti-cancer therapy. A cross-sectional analysis was here conducted for patients withdifferent malignancies (except leukaemia) who while undergoing radical anti-cancer therapy were admitted toour oncology ward from January-July 2013. In a total of 280 patients, the total number of toxicity events was473. Nine patients expired over this time period. Among the events, grade 2 anaemia the most common (n=189)while the most common grades of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were grade 4 (n=114) and grade 2 (n=48),respectively. Among the tracable microbial etiologies, gram negative bacteria were the most commonly foundpathogens. Treatment interruptions took place in 240 patients (median duration=8.8 days). Prolonged hospitaladmission, intensive care and artificial ventilation support was needed to be given in 48, 7 and 13 patientsrespectively. Advanced NSCLC, KPS <70, pancytopenia and artificial ventilation requirement were found tohave a significant impact on death. Such studies show the prevailing practice from institutes of our country andmay guide us formulating a guideline for managing such toxicities for this part of the world.