Referee Report: Drug Utilization Pattern and Adverse Drug Reactions of Chemotherapy in Pediatric Patients at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania

The study conducted at Muhimbili National Hospital assessed the drug utilization patterns and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 123 pediatric cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. It found that the prescribing pattern generally aligned with the Tanzania Essential Medicine List and WHO list, with 66.4% and 93% of drugs prescribed from these lists, respectively. However, the average number of drugs prescribed was higher than recommended, with most patients receiving an average of four anticancer drugs. Vincristine was the most commonly used anticancer drug. A significant 87% of patients experienced ADRs, with nausea and vomiting (45.8%), hair loss (33.6%), and neutropenia (32.7%) being the most common. The study highlights the need for careful monitoring to enhance therapeutic efficacy and minimize ADRs in pediatric cancer treatment.