How Pediatric Cancer Patients Received Contaminated Chemo (1)

Methotrexate, a drug used to treat leukemia and other cancers, is commonly prescribed, usually tolerated, often given as an injection. Much of it is manufactured in India. It’s a pale yellow liquid that’s always supposed to be sterile, free from any bacteria. Making it correctly requires every action be tightly controlled—how employees wash their hands, wear their goggles, walk along the production line. If someone moves too quickly in a cleanroom, air turbulence could spread bacteria. If technicians enter without being carefully sanitized, they could carry a contaminant. Even their pens and paper must be disinfected. If the raw ingredients ...