Off-Label Use of Antineoplastic Drugs to Treat Malignancies: Evidence From China Based on a Nationwide Medical Insurance Data Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Purpose: Cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Off-label (OL) use of antineoplastic drugs to treat malignancies is prevalent. In this study, we quantified and characterized OL use of antineoplastic drugs to treat malignancies in China. Methods: This was a retrospective study using nationwide data collected from 2008 to 2010. Use of antineoplastic drugs was considered OL if they were used for indications not reflected in the package insert published by the National Medical Products Administration at the time of prescription. Descriptive analysis and Spearman rank correlation were used to evaluate the frequency and pattern of OL drug use. Results: In total, 51,382 patients with malignancies, 24 categories of antineoplastic drugs, and 77 types of

SUBMITTER: Wei G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8060556 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature