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While fewer people in the United States are dying from strokes, the number of strokes has remained about the same, health officials report.More >> While fewer people in the United States are dying from strokes, the number of strokes has remained about the same, health officials report.More >> Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> Some cancer doctors may build up emotional walls -- distancing themselves from the patients they can't save -- to avoid grief, sadness and even despair.More >> Some cancer doctors may build up emotional walls -- distancing themselves from the patients they can't save -- to avoid grief, sadness and even despair, new research shows.More >> The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff.More >> The use of physical restraints in nursing homes can be reduced through a multi-pronged approach that includes more training and supportive materials for staff, residents and relatives, according to a new German study.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis, according to a new study.More >> The number of liver transplants in the United States has decreased since 2006, a new study finds.More >> The number of liver transplants in the United States has decreased since 2006, a new study finds.More >> Researchers who say they've linked type 2 diabetes with earlier development of precancerous colon lesions recommend people with the blood sugar disorder start colorectal screenings at a younger age than others.More >> Researchers who say they've linked type 2 diabetes with earlier development of precancerous colon lesions recommend people with the blood sugar disorder start colorectal screenings at a younger age than others.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> Certain gene variants linked to prostate cancer may make men more susceptible to lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a new study. More >> Certain gene variants linked to prostate cancer may make men more susceptible to lower urinary tract symptoms, according to a new study. On the other hand, a different gene variant might protect against those symptoms.More >>
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While fewer people in the United States are dying from strokes, the number of strokes has remained about the same, health officials report.More >> While fewer people in the United States are dying from strokes, the number of strokes has remained about the same, health officials report.More >> Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> Despite scary headlines by the score, most people don't have to fear that they'll be the next victim of the so-called flesh-eating bacteria disease, experts say.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> In a medical science first, researchers turned skin cells from heart failure patients into heart muscle cells that may then be used to fix damaged cardiac tissue.More >> Got hair? If you don't, you might have a higher risk of prostate cancer, a preliminary study suggests.More >> Got hair? If you don't, you might have a higher risk of prostate cancer, a preliminary study suggests.More >> Many American teenagers, including some with a normal, healthy weight, already have one or more risk factors for heart disease, researchers say.More >> Many American teenagers, including some with a normal, healthy weight, already have one or more risk factors for heart disease, researchers say.More >> Drowning kills more American children 1 to 4 years old than any cause except birth defects, according to a new federal report.More >> Drowning kills more American children 1 to 4 years old than any cause except birth defects, according to a new federal report.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis.More >> Office kitchens and break rooms are germ "hotspots," and sink and microwave handles in these areas are the dirtiest surfaces touched by office workers on a daily basis, according to a new study.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> Body-building and weight-loss products are the types of dietary supplements most likely to cause liver injury, according to a small new study.More >> In a new study, teens who loved listening to music blasting at high decibels on their MP3 players were also more likely than others to smoke marijuana.More >> In a new study, teens who loved listening to music blasting at high decibels on their MP3 players were also more likely than others to smoke marijuana.More >> In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications, there are a few additional moves that can help ease the sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes of seasonal allergies.More >> In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medications, there are a few additional moves that can help ease the sniffles, sneezes and watery eyes of seasonal allergies.More >>
LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE)- Louisville hospitals are stepping up to provide a much needed cancer drug to patients at Kosair Children's Hospital. The drug, methotrexate, treats Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It's a form of childhood cancer that is extremely curable when treated with the drug that's now in short supply.
The main problem is that in November the nation's largest supplier suspended operations. Supply is now reportedly at risk of running out within two weeks.
"We can beg, borrow and coerce as best we can" said Dr. Sal Bertolone. Dr. Bertolone is a UofL pediatric oncologist who treats patients at Kosair Children's Hospital.
He's making calls to all area hospitals asking for any supply they can spare. About 18 of his young cancer patients are currently being treated with the liquid form of methotrexate. The pill form of the drug, used for other medical conditions, is readily available.
It's the liquid version that's injected into the spine of ALL patients and in high doses. The youngest patients actually require a preservative-free version of methotrexate and Brown Cancer Center was able to supply enough for Kosair to treat patients at least two weeks.
Dr. Bertolone calls the drug the 'gold standard' for ALL treatment. Specifically the toughest form of ALL which involves the T-cells.
"We've identified that the high dose methotrexate in particular, will increase that cure rate from about 65% to about 85 to 90%" said Dr. Bertolone.
Right now there's not another drug with that proven success rate.
"When Dr. Bertolone called we said we want to help you, we want to do whatever we can" said Cathy Whalen. Whalen is the pharmacy manager at Brown Cancer Center.
She says they deal with an ongoing shortage of about 30 drugs their patients need.
Short supplies are blamed on all sorts reasons. "It can be quality issues or it can be when the company just decided sometimes they don't want to make that drug anymore, there's not enough volume of usage" said Whalen.
Some even speculate profits may be behind the problem. "You know, if you have limited resources, you'd rather produce a drug that's got a better margin than a drug that doesn't" said Dr. Bertolone.
Methotrexate has been around for 50 years and is quite cheap, but when considering the lives it saves it's value skyrockets, at least to those with loved ones needing it.
Dr. Bertolone says in Washington, representatives from the Children's Oncology Group are meeting with Congressional leaders to push for imports of the drug from overseas and Canada. The FDA is asking US suppliers to increase production but that can't be forced. Right now it's a situation of waiting and hoping enough drug will arrive when patients need it.
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