EMA recommends suspension of medicines containing 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate amid possible cancer risk

In some EU countries, 17-OHPC medicines are authorised as injections to prevent pregnancy loss or premature birth in pregnant women. They are also authorised for the treatment of various gynaecological and fertility disorders, including disorders caused by a lack of a hormone called progesterone.

The PRAC reviewed the results from a large population-based study, which looked at the risk of cancer in people who had been exposed to 17-OHPC in the womb, over a period of about 50 years from the time they were born. Data from this study suggest that these people might have an increased risk of cancer compared with those who were not exposed to the medicines. However, the PRAC noted that there was a low number of cancer cases in the study and that the study had some limitations, such as limited information on risk factors for cancer. The Committee therefore concluded that the risk of cancer in people exposed to 17-OHPC in the womb is possible, but cannot be confirmed due to uncertainties.

In its review, the PRAC also considered data on the effectiveness of 17-OHPC medicines in their authorised uses, including the results from a study looking at how well they prevented premature birth. The study, which involved over 1,700 pregnant women with a history of preterm delivery, found that 17-OHPC is no more effective than placebo (a dummy treatment) in preventing recurrent premature birth or medical complications due to prematurity in newborns. The Committee also reviewed two published meta-analyses (combined analyses of multiple studies), which confirmed that 17-OHPC is not effective at preventing preterm birth. For the other authorised uses of 17-OHPC, the PRAC concluded that there is limited evidence of effectiveness. During the review, input was also sought from experts in obstetrics, gynaecology and fertility treatment, and from patient representatives.

"In terms of efficacy, data from a multicentre, double-blind randomised controlled trial have shown a lack of efficacy of 17-OHPC in the prevention of preterm birth; there are limited data on efficacy in other obstetric, gynaecological and fertility indications authorised in the EU," the release stated.

In view of the concern raised by the possible risk of cancer in people exposed to 17-OHPC in the womb, together with the data on the effectiveness of 17-OHPC in its authorised uses, the PRAC considered that the benefits of 17-OHPC do not outweigh its risks in any authorised use. The Committee is therefore recommending the suspension of the marketing authorisations for these medicines. Alternative treatment options are available.

"Healthcare professionals should no longer prescribe or dispense 17-OHPC medicines and should consider appropriate alternatives for any indication. Other treatment options are available. If you are using a medicine containing 17-OHPC, your doctor will discuss switching to a suitable alternative with you. The outcome of this review does not affect the use of progesterone, which works in a different way to 17-OHPC," the release added.

Read also: FDA withdraws preterm birth drug Makena (hydroxyprogesterone) and its generic versions