Pediatric cancer recurrence rates are increasing day by day with a 20% reduction in recoveries due to out of stock drugs, such as Asparaginase. Only 42% of targeted therapies and immunotherapies are available in Algeria.

After the big national disruption of drug stocks, three months ago, in particular high-dose Methotrexate, Aracytine indicated for the treatment of cancerous children, Asparaginase, a product of biotechnology, which is starting to be rare . These drugs are indicated in the treatment of leukemia, brain tumors, bone cancer and lymphomas in children.

The situation is more and more worrying for these children, some of whom die for lack of medication, warn oncologists, who keep alerting the health authority and apprehend a worsening of the situation in the coming days, d 'as many patients are deprived of their cures. They fear the worst for these children whose parents no longer know which way to turn.

“The problem with this product was raised last January and we reported the risk of breakage since this product was discontinued by the supplier. The absence of this drug induces a reduction in healing of 20% ", indicates Professor Houda Boudiaf, head of the pediatric oncology department at Chu Mustapha Pasha.

"We experienced the problem in September 2020, and now it arises again for another essential drug in the management of leukemia. The chances of recovery for our patients are considerably reduced if this product is lacking, in addition to cases of recurrence, ”she lamented. She recalls that these products are vital for these children and "we cannot do without them. The most serious thing is that we do not have a replacement drug in Algeria for Asparaginase. I repeat that I have already alerted on this subject ".

She deplores that patients are still on waiting lists when their lives are in danger and this problem is experienced in all oncology services in the national territory. “As cases of recurrence are increasing day by day, it is obvious that the demand for care is increasing. We need all of these drugs to provide relief to our patients, ”she added.

The pandemic has complicated the situation

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For her, the Covid-19 pandemic has certainly complicated the health situation, but "cancer care must be included, today, as a priority just like this epidemic", she said.

Asked about this, the director of the Central Hospital Pharmacy (PCH), Fatima Ouakti, confirms this state of affairs. She reports that the main supplier, who has the decision to register the drug in Algeria, no longer manufactures it.

“Some European laboratories market it six times its price compared to the one we import. Authorizations are required to be able to import it at this price. In addition, we have made contact with other laboratories in order to be able to have new registration decisions for this product and we are awaiting the green light from the National Agency for Pharmaceuticals ", she explained.

This problem is directly linked to the budgetary constraint which continues to further complicate the treatment of cancer in Algeria, whether pediatric or adult, the incidence of which is increasing year by year with more than 45,000 new ones. cases per year. The proof is that Algeria is ranked among the last Maghreb countries to have access to innovative therapies. They still remain inaccessible for Algerian cancer patients for non-registration. Oncologists have been clamoring for these drugs, which have been proven around the world, for their patients for three years.