Low cost Methotrexate (MTX) drug can be used to treat blood cancer
Advertisement
MTX is primarily used to treat arthritis till now
A recent discovery by the researchers from University of Sheffield in Britain may have an affordable cure for people suffering from the blood cancer myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The treatment is from a drug which has been primarily used to treat inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis. Methotrexate (MTX), the drug in discussion, is one thousandth of the cost of a promising drug which has been shown to work in the same way. It (MTX) is also stated to have very few side effects.
Currently, MPN treatment, which is diagnosed in people in the 50’s and the 60’s, is limited to aspirin, removal of excess blood and mild chemotherapy. MPN is a result of an overproduction of blood cells creating a significant impact on quality-of-life, with symptoms such as night sweats, itching and tiredness.
As reported by IANS ,
Recently, the drug Ruxolitinib was shown to provide relief, but at a cost of over 40,000 pounds per year per patient, it has not been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in Britain.
A recent discovery by the researchers from University of Sheffield in Britain may have an affordable cure for people suffering from the blood cancer myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). The treatment is from a drug which has been primarily used to treat inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis. Methotrexate (MTX), the drug in discussion, is one thousandth of the cost of a promising drug which has been shown to work in the same way. It (MTX) is also stated to have very few side effects.
Currently, MPN treatment, which is diagnosed in people in the 50’s and the 60’s, is limited to aspirin, removal of excess blood and mild chemotherapy. MPN is a result of an overproduction of blood cells creating a significant impact on quality-of-life, with symptoms such as night sweats, itching and tiredness.
As reported by IANS ,
Recently, the drug Ruxolitinib was shown to provide relief, but at a cost of over 40,000 pounds per year per patient, it has not been approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in Britain.
Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.