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

The study at Muhimbili National Hospital in Tanzania analyzed drug utilization patterns and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in 123 pediatric cancer patients, mostly male with a median age of 5.2 years. The most common cancers were Wilms Tumor, B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and Burkitt Lymphoma. On average, 7 drugs were prescribed per patient, with antimetabolites being the most used anticancer agents. Over 87% of patients experienced ADRs, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and neutropenia. The study emphasizes the need for better drug utilization and management strategies to improve treatment outcomes in pediatric oncology in Tanzania.