To investigate the safety profile of amrubicin hydrochloride (AMR),we conducted a review of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) due to AMR in records of patients treated at Toyama University Hospital.Using the results,we designed a new AMR chemotherapy worksheet for lung cancer.The design of the new worksheet was based on that of existing reports.In 13 inpatients treated with a total of 30 courses of AMR chemotherapy during the period of the review,though the AMR dose was lower than the recommended dose,neutropenia and thrombopenia of grade 4 in the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v 3.0 (CTCAE) occurred in half of them.While non-hematological toxicities of grade 4 were not observed,some patients had persistent nausea,anorexia,and general malaise.Antiemetic 5-HT3 antagonists were administered to most of the patients,and 3 courses of concomitantly administered dexamethasone achieved perfect remission of nausea and vomiting.In the new worksheet,AMR dose-limiting toxicities,history of taking anthracyclines,and previous hematological toxicities are recorded for checking prescriptions.It also includes a table of possible ADRs,their symptoms and time of occurrence for monitoring purposes,as well as a notice to patients to pay attention to nonproductive cough and dyspnea,the initial symptoms of interstitial pneumonia.
