抄録
Among the adverse effects of anticancer drugs, critical effects have attracted the most attention. However, non-critical adverse effects that lower the quality of life of cancer patients have been gaining recognition. For example, the package insert of tegafur･gimeracil･oteracil potassium (S-1) was modified and lacrimal duct obstruction was added to the list of critical adverse effects on September 25, 2012. In a similar vein, this study aimed to examine the awareness of healthcare professionals regarding the adverse effects of anticancer drugs on the eyes. A web-based questionnaire survey was administered to medical doctors and pharmacists. We received responses from 38 doctors and 123 pharmacists. Only 39.5% (15) of the doctors and 33.3% (41) of the pharmacists were aware of the adverse effects of anticancer drugs on the eyes. Among respondents who had observed these adverse effects, only 12.5% (1/8) of doctors and 11.1% (2/18) of pharmacists reported them to the authorities or the pharmaceutical companies. The results suggest that the adverse effects of anticancer drugs on the eyes should gain more recognition among healthcare professionals. Therefore, we would like to encourage them in obtaining information concerning the safety of medicines and to report all observed adverse effects regardless of their severity.
