A retrospective analysis of outpatient use of small-molecule targeted inhibitors for lymphoma across six regions of China (2016–2022)

Objective This study aimed to assess national trends in prescription volumes, drug expenditures, and the pharmacoeconomic rationality of small-molecule targeted inhibitors used for lymphoma treatment among outpatients in China between 2016 and 2022. Methods Outpatient prescription data for patients diagnosed with lymphoma were obtained from the Hospital Prescription Analysis Cooperative Project database, which includes 77 hospitals distributed across six major regions of China. Annual trends in prescription volume and corresponding drug expenditures were examined. Pharmacoeconomic indicators associated with small-molecule targeted inhibitors were further analyzed to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and utilization patterns. Patient demographic characteristics, regional distribution, and categories of small-molecule targeted inhibitors were also analyzed. Results Prescription volumes and amounts for small-molecule targeted inhibitors in lymphoma treatment have increased annually. Furthermore, their use is supported by pharmacoeconomic evidence indicating rational and efficient medication utilization. There was a statistically significant increase in total prescriptions ( P 1 < 0.005) and overall medication expenditures ( P 2 < 0.005). Conclusion Between 2016 and 2022, the prescription volume of small-molecule targeted inhibitors for lymphoma increased annually, indicating their expanding clinical use. Since 2020, despite continued growth in prescriptions, drug costs have risen at a slower rate than prescriptions. This reflects that medical insurance negotiation and centralized procurement policies have effectively reduced economic burden without limiting their access to these inhibitors. Pharmacoeconomic indicators also confirm that the use of these drugs has been both reasonable and efficient, allowing for increased drug utilization while reducing financial strain.