3D-printed medication: personalized for every child

Many oral medications are developed for adults and are not available in the correct dosage for children. Lidwien Hanff, Head of the Hospital Pharmacy, explains: ‘We are constantly challenged to find the smartest solutions for children. During intensive treatment with medication, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, maintaining the child’s quality of life is crucial—this is also the Máxima Center’s mission. Our role is to advise on medication that prioritizes as much comfort as possible for the child.’

To adapt medication for children, oral drugs are sometimes converted into liquid form, but these often have an unpleasant taste and can lead to dosing errors if not administered correctly. Hand-prepared capsules are an alternative, but the process is time-consuming and maintaining consistent quality is challenging.

Precise dosing

Hospital pharmacist Rogier Lange explains: ‘The Máxima Center is one of the first hospitals in the Netherlands to start 3D printing medication. In practical terms, this means we will use new equipment to print gummy-like tablets containing medication. Children can chew them, which makes them easier to swallow, or they can be dissolved to be given through a tube.’ The key benefit: precise dosing, tailored to each individual child. ‘By making medication easier and more pleasant to take, we improve adherence and reduce the need for unnecessary intravenous administration. We also hope to create combination pills in the future so children have to take fewer separate medications,’ says Rogier Lange.

The hospital pharmacy is currently modifying its facilities, and the necessary equipment has already been installed. Following a period of testing and validation, the first tablets are expected to be available for patients in the course of 2025.

Collaboration and Innovation

The implementation of 3D-printed medication is made possible through collaboration with partners such as Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, and the company CurifyLabs. This innovation marks a major advancement in the treatment of children with cancer. By embracing new technologies, we ensure that each child receives the right dosage in a child-friendly form. This not only makes treatments more effective but also significantly improves the overall patient experience.

Foundation

Health insurance companies do not reimburse for the machine because 3D printing is not yet routinely used in hospitals. Therefore, a financial contribution was raised from donors to make this technology accessible. Thanks to the work of the Princess Máxima Center Foundation, this has been achieved.