Why devices are failing in oncology drug delivery applications

Some traditional polymers used in drug delivery devices are not compatible with modern oncology chemotherapies—including the cancer drugs and the carrier solvents that help make them effective.
 
Device manufacturers have more reasons than ever to understand the chemical resistance of the materials they use in devices, including:
•  The widespread use and growing economic importance of oncology drugs
•  A recent FDA Safety Alert* concerning infusion devices made with polycarbonate (PC) or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)

Polymers that have a low level of compatibility with chemicals such as lipids, disinfectants, and specific oncology drugs and solvents can experience environmental stress cracking (ESC) or premature device failure in the presence of applied or residual stress. 
 
All stakeholders are working together to reduce product failure and improve safety through:
•  Vigilance by regulatory agencies
•  Chemical resistance research by polymer manufacturers
•  Informed polymer selection for oncology drug delivery devices
 
For its part, Eastman has conducted a series of chemical resistance tests on Eastman Tritan^™ copolyester and competitive polymers. The test results are presented and discussed in a recently posted webcast titled “Why Devices are Failing in Oncology Drug Delivery Applications”.



Eastman also offers a free white paper that will give you more details of the testing.