The shortage of pediatric cancer drugs is a growing concern for families and healthcare providers, with critical medications, like injectable methotrexate and leucovrin, increasingly hard to obtain for children diagnosed with leukemia, USA Today reported Oct. 17.
Here are five insights into the shortage:
- Several pediatric cancer drugs are in short supply and others have been discontinued, according to the FDA. Injectable methotrexate sodium is among the most widely used for various cancer types.
- These drugs are particularly susceptible to shortages because few companies produce them. The production of generic sterile injectables is complex and requires strict quality control, making some manufacturers hesitant to enter the market because of low profitability.
- Often healthcare providers have been left scrambling to find alternative supplies or use adult formulations, which are less effective for children, according to the news outlet.
- Hospitals have been managing the shortages by calling other facilities to check for available stock or repurposing adult medications. If necessary, physicians may use alternative treatments, although these are typically not as effective as first-choice drugs.
- Experts suggested that increasing profitability of pediatric oncology drugs could encourage more manufacturers to enter the market. Others say building a stockpile of essential medications could help prevent future shortages.