'One Tiny Possibility': Meet The Research Pharmacy Team Who Takes Risks To Save Lives

Arlington TX

13 April, 2022

7:33 PM

Description

By Alexis Allison, Fort Worth Report April 13, 2022 The Hunts were preparing end-of-life care for their middle son, Zander, when his doctor at Cook Children's offered a last resort: Treat the 9-year-old with a cancer drug approved only for adults. The option, called compassionate use, becomes available when standard treatments like chemotherapy, radiation and surgery fail. It requires a slew of permissions; the family, hospital, drug company and U.S. Food and Drug Administration must provide consent. For children like Zander, whose life hangs in the balance, the approval process must be quick and efficient. Working around the clock, sometimes nights and weekends, to make that happen is a three-woman cadre called the research pharmacy team. "To have one tiny possibility, one more choice that could possibly help him — I think 'gratitude' is the word that comes to mind," Emily Hunt, Zander's mom, said. "I'm so grateful that they're willing to do what they do." To read the full article, click here. Fort Worth Report is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that produces factual, in-depth journalism about city and county government, schools, healthcare, business, and arts and culture in Tarrant County. Always free to read; subscribe to newsletters, read coverage or support our newsroom at fortworthreport.org.