The Food and Drug Association (FDA) recently warned healthcare professionals that study results suggested an association between becaplermin gel (marketed as Regranex®) and cancer-related death. Becaplermin gel is a drug used to treat a common diabetic complication - leg and foot ulcers.

The study used a health insurance database to identify 2 similar groups of diabetic patients. One group had been prescribed becaplermin gel, but the other had not. After analyzing these 2 groups, researchers found evidence that diabetics who had been prescribed the diabetic ulcer gel at least 3 times were more likely to die from cancers. There was not enough information to determine whether becaplermin was associated with new diagnoses of cancer.

While the FDA investigates these findings in greater depth, healthcare professionals are advised to discuss the potential risks and benefits of becaplermin gel with their patients, and diabetics should ask their physicians for more information. After the review of the safety data is completed, the FDA will communicate its conclusions and recommendations to the public.