High Prevalence of Drug-Drug Interactions Among Geriatric Oncology Patients in Saudi Arabia

Strategic Insights -

Geriatric cancer patients in Saudi Arabia are at a high risk of adverse drug reactions due to significant causes of drug-drug interactions (DDIs). A recent study conducted at two tertiary medical centers in the country aimed to identify the prevalence, severity, and predictors of potential DDIs among geriatric oncology patients. The study included 247 patients with a mean age of 74.0 years, and 48.6% of whom were female. The results revealed a high prevalence of DDIs, with most interactions classified as moderate. Female patients and those taking multiple medications were found to be more vulnerable to DDIs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 247 geriatric patients, with a mean age of 74.0 years, and 48.6% of whom were female.
  • The most common type of cancer was gastrointestinal cancer (35.6%), followed by genitourinary cancer (20.6%), and 50.6% of the patients had metastasized tumors.
  • Approximately one-half of the patients (49.0%) received anticancer therapy, and hormonal therapy (21.9%) or chemotherapy (16.6%) was the most common therapy.
  • The mean number of medications used per patient was 6.9, with a majority of patients (79.4%) having at least one DDI.
  • Most DDIs were classified as moderate (58.9%), and only 19.3% were classified as major.
  • Multiple logistic regression revealed that females were more vulnerable to DDIs than males (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 37.4; 95% CI 4.13-338.3).
  • The number of medications used was significantly associated with the risk of DDIs (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI 2.53-6.54).
  • Female patients and patients with multiple medications had a greater risk of experiencing DDIs.

Statistics:

  • 247 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 74.0 years.
  • 48.6% of the patients were female.
  • The most common type of cancer was gastrointestinal cancer (35.6%).
  • 50.6% of the patients had metastasized tumors.
  • 49.0% of the patients received anticancer therapy.
  • 21.9% of the patients received hormonal therapy.
  • 16.6% of the patients received chemotherapy.
  • The mean number of medications used per patient was 6.9.
  • 79.4% of the patients had at least one DDI.
  • 58.9% of the DDIs were classified as moderate.
  • 19.3% of the DDIs were classified as major.
  • Female patients had a 37.4 times higher risk of DDIs than males (AOR = 37.4; 95% CI 4.13-338.3).
  • Patients with multiple medications had a 4.07 times higher risk of DDIs (AOR = 4.07; 95% CI 2.53-6.54).

Sources:

  • Potential drug-drug interactions among geriatric oncology patients: a retrospective study in Saudi Arabia. BMC Geriatrics, 2025,25(1):1-9. (BMC Geriatrics - http://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com)
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12877-025-05965-y