The Case for Prescribing Metformin Off-Label for a Child in Remission from Ependymoma - PubMed
6 hours ago
- #off-label prescribing
- #clinical ethics
- #pediatric oncology
- Ethical challenges in pediatrics arise when families request unproven therapies.
- Case involves Natalie, a 3-year-old in remission from ependymoma, whose parents requested metformin to prevent recurrence.
- Metformin has a favorable safety profile and FDA approval for other pediatric indications.
- Emerging evidence supports metformin's potential in cancer research.
- Off-label prescribing is common in pediatric oncology due to rare diseases and clinical trial limitations.
- With informed consent, monitoring, and interdisciplinary input, prescribing metformin may be ethically justifiable.
- Illustrates balance between evidence-based practice, patient-centered care, and pediatric cancer treatment realities.