Drug utilization patterns and associated cost among cancer patients treated in the intensive care units at a comprehensive cancer center in Jordan: A retrospective study

IntroductionCancer patients often experience complications from their disease and treatment, frequently requiring intensive care units (ICU) admissions. Despite significant clinical and economic impacts, data are limited. This study evaluated medication utilization and associated costs in adult cancer patients admitted to the ICU.MethodsThis retrospective study included adult cancer patients treated in the ICU between August and November-2023, excluding post-surgical observation cases. Patients' demographics, ICU medications, and related-costs were recorded. Medication data were obtained from the hospital pharmacy-database, and direct costs were calculated. Descriptive statistics were done to report the results, with subgroup analysis based on cancer treatment status.ResultsA total of 233 admissions were analyzed; 64.0% were males, 79.1% had solid tumors, and 58.6% were not on active cancer treatment. Sepsis and respiratory conditions were the most common admission reasons. Antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors were the most utilized medications. The mean medication cost per admission was $2363.7, with a median (IQR) of $1001.8 (423.9-1886.8). Human albumin had the highest median (IQR) cost at $1243.6 (932.7-1865.4), followed by antifungals at $316.4 (158.2-1048.8) and antibiotics at $166.5 (85.4-340.4). Median (IQR) ICU medication costs were $980.1 (364.2-1661.6) for patients on active treatment and $1116.2 (460.5-2127.0) for those not.ConclusionsIn a cohort of cancer cases admitted to the ICU, multiple medications were utilized and contributed substantially to overall treatment costs. While antibiotics and proton pump inhibitors were the most commonly used medications, human albumin and antifungals accounted for the greatest share of costs.