Saskatchewan running low on thyroid cancer drug Thyrogen

Thyrogen, a drug used in treating thyroid cancer, could be in short supply in Saskatchewan in the coming months thanks to a shortage in new shipments.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency confirmed Thursday that the manufacturer, a pharmaceutical company called Genzyme, isn't expecting to continue regular shipments of Thyrogen until May.

Equipment issues have hampered the company's processes.

Thyrogen is used in diagnosing procedures, but also in prepping thyroid cancer patients for radiation therapy.

The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency still has some of the drug left but it is having to carefully manage the remaining supply. The Agency's Gladys Wasylenchuk said the remaining supply is being used only on those who need it most, stressing patient need is being carefully balanced against that supply.

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She admitted that Saskatchewan thankfully does not have a high rate of thyroid cancer.

“We do have a low rate of thyroid cancer,” she explained. “The latest statistics were estimating approximately 75 cases in 2010.”

She said there are also alternative drugs that can be used in some instances. Each case is being assessed on an individual basis.

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