Abstract

Background: The introduction of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in therapeutics has permitted targeted treatments for various diseases. As the utilization of mAbs continues to grow, understanding their drug utilization patterns becomes crucial for optimizing treatment strategies, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring cost-effectiveness in health-care systems. However, there is limited information on the real-world utilization patterns of mAbs in clinical practice. This retrospective study aims to analyze and summarize current knowledge on the drug utilization of mAbs.

Aims and Objectives: The primary objective of the study is to analyze the utilization of mAbs across four departments (medical oncology, hematoncology, radiation oncology, and rheumatology) of Medical College, Kolkata. The secondary objective is to study the cumulative change in trend in the utilization of mAbs in these departments over the last 3 years (2020–2023).

Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was done by collecting relevant data on mAb use in four disciplines (medical oncology, hematoncology, radiation oncology, and rheumatology) from electronic health records and pharmacy databases. The study included patients who received mAb therapy between June 01, 2022, and May 31, 2023. The collected data included demographic data of the patients and data on mAb, including utilization patterns (frequency, duration, and indications for mAb use). Changes in the pattern of usage of mAbs, if any, across the preceding 3 years (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23), were also assessed. Descriptive data has been represented in percentages.

Results: The commonest indications of mAbs across the four departments were chronic lymphocytic leukemia, breast carcinoma, and ovarian carcinoma in hemt-oncology, radiation oncology, and medical oncology departments, respectively. Rituximab, trastuzumab, and bevacizumab were identified as the most frequently prescribed mAbs in the mentioned departments. It was also observed that total consumption of mAbs has significantly increased over the last 3 years.

Conclusion: This retrospective study provides insights into the drug utilization patterns of mAbs in a real-world clinical setting.

Key words: Monoclonal Antibodies; Retrospective Study; Drug Utilization