How we make medicines more child-friendly

Smaller tablets, more precise dosing or a longer IV line to allow children to move around more freely. Our pharmacists are always looking for ways to make medicines better suited to children. They are even exploring how a 3D printer could help.

Just the right amount for every child

Jochem Simonsz works as an analyst in our drug analysis laboratory, where he measures medicines in the blood. He explains: ‘Every child is different and processes medicines differently. That is why we measure how much of a medicine is in the blood. This allows us to adjust the dose where necessary: enough for it to work well, but no more than needed. In this way, we try to limit side effects as much as possible.’

The healthcare professionals providing treatment look not only at how well a treatment works, but also at its side effects. By adjusting the treatment where possible, they aim to improve outcomes while maintaining the best possible quality of life during and after treatment.

DNA medication passport

A child’s DNA also contains information that can help tailor medication more precisely. Differences in DNA can affect how medicines work and the side effects they cause. That is why children at the Máxima Center receive a complete DNA analysis of their tumor cells and healthy cells at diagnosis.

Dr. Lidwien Hanff, head of the pharmacy at the Máxima Center, explains: ‘What makes the development of this DNA medication passport so special is that children can benefit from it throughout their lives. If they need medication later in life, for example if they become ill, healthcare professionals can easily see which medicine and dosage are best suited to that person’s DNA.’

Freedom to move

Playing and moving around can be more difficult with an IV. Yet it is important that children can continue doing the things that suit them as much as possible during treatment. That is why we look for ways to make sure medication gets in the way as little as possible. From IV lines up to seven meters long to a backpack for medication and a special Infuuts bike.

For children who receive dinutuximab beta, a form of immunotherapy, at home, a special backpack has been developed to carry the medication cassette. This gives children more freedom to move around, so they can play outside or go to school, for example. And because each child can personalize the backpack, it looks fun too.

Children can also ride a bike while connected to an IV. Young children can take their IV pole with them on the Infuuts, a special bike designed so that an IV pole can be attached to it. This means they can ride through the hallways of the Máxima Center even during treatment.

3D printing medication

In the future, we hope to tailor medicines even more closely to each child with the help of a 3D printer. The printer is currently still in the testing phase. It can be used to make gummy-like tablets containing exactly the right dose. A child can chew the tablet, or the medicine can be dissolved and administered through a feeding tube. In the future, it may even be possible to combine several medicines in a single tablet. This would make medication not only more personalized, but also easier to take.