Methotrexate is a medication that is used to treat various conditions such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. It is commonly used in younger patients, but there are concerns about its long-term effects.
According to Drug Patent Watch [1], methotrexate has been in use since the 1950s, and its patent expired in 1985. It is available in both generic and brand-name formulations. The drug works by inhibiting the growth of rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and cells of the immune system.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology [2] found that methotrexate use in younger patients with cancer did not increase the risk of developing second cancers later in life. The study followed patients for up to 30 years after treatment and found no significant increase in the incidence of second cancers in those who received methotrexate compared to those who did not.
However, there are concerns about the long-term effects of methotrexate use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in the Journal of Rheumatology [3] found that long-term use of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The study also found that the risk increased with higher cumulative doses of the drug.
In conclusion, while methotrexate has been in use for several decades, there are still concerns about its long-term effects in younger patients. While a study found that methotrexate use in younger cancer patients did not increase the risk of developing second cancers later in life, there are concerns about its long-term use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A study found that long-term use of methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis was associated with an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients who are prescribed methotrexate should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/METHOTREXATE
[2] https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/jco.2015.62.4544
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5153332/