Assessing anticancer drug utilization patterns through WHO prescribing indicators at a specialized cancer hospital in Peshawar

Background: Efficient utilization of anticancer agents is crucial for effective malignancy treatment and cost management. WHO Prescribing Indicators provide a standardized measure for assessing drug usage. This study aimed to evaluate anticancer drug utilization patterns in a specialized oncology hospital using these indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis involved reviewing medical records of anticancer drug prescriptions at a designated cancer treatment facility. Key WHO prescribing indicators, including drug per prescription average, proportions of anticancer drugs and generics usage, were assessed. Results: Analysis of 900 prescriptions revealed an average of 8.36 drugs per prescription, with 2.27 being anticancer drugs and 4.93 adjuvants. Notably, 71% of medications were prescribed generically 85% were on the Essential Medicines List. Opportunities for enhancing efficiency, like promoting generic drugs and reducing injectable anticancer agents, were identified. Conclusions: This study highlights the value of WHO Prescribing Indicators in analysing anticancer drug utilization trends. Addressing prescribing deficiencies can refine treatment protocols, promote judicious pharmaceutical use and elevate patient care standards. Future efforts should focus on targeted strategies to rectify these shortcomings, emphasizing ongoing research and quality improvement in oncologic pharmacotherapy.