Navigating the complexities of compatibility with oncology drugs


The need to mitigate infection risks and enhance patients’ safety and comfort has significantly increased the demand for higher-performing plastics with improved chemical resistance. Many polymers commonly used in drug delivery devices simply do not hold up to modern oncology chemotherapies. After exposure to chemicals in the medical environment, devices made with these polymers can experience environmental stress cracking or premature failure in the presence of applied or residual stress.
 
Broken devices put patients at risk. What’s more, regulatory agencies may tell manufacturers to stop using certain materials when device performance or life cycle is compromised.
 
For these reasons, when you are choosing materials for your medical device, evaluating polymers for chemical resistance is key. Eastman Tritan copolyesters have excellent overall chemical resistance and other advantages that make them superior alternatives to polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) for oncology drug delivery devices.
 
Tritan also offers compatibility with many popular sterilization methods and has outstanding hydrolytic stability. This balance of properties makes Tritan a great choice for IV system components, blood therapy devices, and any parts that face frequent disinfection. Read more about the benefits Tritan offers devices that encounter hospital disinfectants and oncology drugs here.