Mitomycin-C shortage – information for UK patients.

On October 24th 2019, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) distributed a CAS Alert for Mitomycin-C regarding its supply and distribution. CAS is the Central Alerting System which cascades warnings regarding medicines and medical devices shortages, concerns and issues across the health and social care system in the UK. On November 7th, a recall was issued for Mitomycin-C Kyowa products.  

Mitomycin-C is the chemotherapy agent commonly used during HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) following cytoreductive surgery across the world. The main other chemotherapy option is Oxaliplatin.

Mitomycin-C is almost exclusively supplied by Kyowa Kirin. This company have identified concerns regarding the quality control and manufacturing process of Mitomycin-C. All current stock has been recalled.

The CAS alert states that there is no date available to advise when stock will be available. The Royal College of Opthalmologists website suggest that stock may be available again by the end of January 2020. There are other potential supply routines for Mitomycin-C and the Deptartment of Health have provided these to healthcare providers.

This supply issue has the potential to impact on patients due for surgery and HIPEC in the next few months, although I believe healthcare providers will be working hard to find alternative sources of intra peritoneal chemotherapy for patients. If you have any concerns then I suggest you discuss this with your Clinical Nurse Specialists for more information.

Georgina
Dr Georgina Morgan MB ChB, Trustee