# Teen boys take cancer drugs for height growth

> Teen boys use cancer drugs to grow taller, doctors warn of risks.
- Title: Teen boys take cancer drugs for height growth · Fox News
- Summary: Teen boys use cancer drugs to grow taller, doctors warn of risks. Teen boys taking cancer drugs to grow taller face severe health risks including vision…
- Keywords: heightmaxxing, erdafitinib, bladder cancer drug, teen boys, skeletal complications, vision damage, cancer medications, pediatric use, Fox News
- Source: Fox News — https://foxnews.com/health/viral-heightmaxxing-trend-teen-boys-taking-cancer-drugs-grow-taller-doctors-warn-risks
- Author: Khloe Quill
- Published: 2026-11-10T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: heightmaxxing, erdafitinib, bladder cancer drug, teen boys, skeletal complications, vision damage, cancer medications, pediatric use, news, politics
## Heightmaxxing trend
Teenagers use black-market cancer drugs to grow taller online.

> It’s extremely concerning that teenagers are experimenting with powerful cancer medications in an attempt to grow taller
## Drug used
Adolescents take erdafitinib, a bladder cancer drug approved for advanced cases.
## Doctors warn
Dr. Stephanie Widmer says drugs were developed for serious conditions, not height enhancement.

> These drugs were developed to treat serious medical conditions, not to enhance physical appearance
## Safety concerns
Dr. Jessica Gray warns of skeletal damage and bone fractures from rapid growth.

> Forced, rapid growth can trigger dangerous structural problems, including premature growth plate damage and bone fractures
## Side effects
Side effects include vision damage, metabolic issues and skeletal pain.

> These medications can cause serious side effects, including potentially permanent vision damage
## No growth after puberty
Growth plates close by end of puberty, so older teens can't gain height with this drug.

> Once growth plates close near the end of puberty, medications cannot reopen them
## Medical advice
Parents should consult pediatricians before teens use online medications.

> If a child has concerns about their growth, that conversation belongs in a pediatrician’s office, not on an internet forum
## Key takeaway

Teen boys taking cancer drugs to grow taller face severe health risks including vision damage and skeletal fractures.