CNN Reported that United States is currently experiencing one of the worst cancer drug shortages in its history, which is not only affecting thousands of patients facing delayed or cancelled chemotherapy appointments but also posing significant challenges to cancer research. Experts warn that the consequences of these shortages may be felt for years to come.
The National Cancer Institute, a federal agency responsible for cancer research and training, has revealed that at least 174 out of its 608 clinical trials may be impacted by the drug shortages. However, this number may not fully account for other trials that rely on these drugs or potential trials that researchers would like to initiate but cannot due to the scarcity of medications.
While the shortage of cancer drugs has been a recurring issue for years, the situation has escalated, with at least 25 drugs currently facing scarcity, as indicated by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Two of these drugs, carboplatin, and cisplatin, are particularly crucial for cancer research as they are widely used in the treatment of various cancers. Cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs are prescribed to approximately 10% to 20% of all cancer patients, according to the National Cancer Institute.
In 2016, the Cancer Moonshot initiative was launched by Vice President Joe Biden with the goal of accelerating progress against cancer and making cutting-edge research a national priority. However, with a record number of cancer drugs now in shortage, conducting even basic research has become an immensely difficult task.
This dire situation has put crucial cancer research on hold, leaving many researchers feeling frustrated and demoralized. Dr. Shadia Jalal, overseeing clinical trials at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, has witnessed the effects of drug shortages firsthand. While her trials have managed to continue for the time being, other researchers have not been as fortunate, with some institutions being forced to shut down new clinical trials involving drugs in short supply.
The impact of these shortages on individual patients has garnered significant attention, but the effects on the country’s pursuit of better cancer medicine cannot be underestimated. Failure to conduct research for the development of new drugs could have far-reaching consequences that may not become evident until years later.
The scarcity of drugs like Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), a promising treatment for bladder cancer, has also hindered clinical trials. While BCG is not on the US Food and Drug Administration’s shortage list, it is listed as scarce by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists due to tight controls implemented by drugmaker Merck, resulting in a limited supply unable to meet the demands.
The National Cancer Institute has stated that none of its clinical trials have been closed or put on hold due to drug shortages. However, some sites may experience difficulties in enrolling patients, and the impact may vary across different locations. The issue lies not only with novel drugs but also with generics that are commonly used in conjunction with newer treatments. A survey of major cancer centers found that 93% of them struggled to find enough carboplatin, and 70% experienced shortages of cisplatin, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Dr. Lawrence Feldman, a specialist in hematology and oncology at the University of Illinois Medical Center, faced challenges during a lung cancer trial when the center ran out of carboplatin. While they managed to switch to cisplatin temporarily, it required tedious paperwork and approval. The unpredictability of drug shortages has left researchers uncertain about their options, potentially impacting the planning and execution of clinical trials.
The US Food and Drug Administration has acknowledged the drug shortages and is working closely with manufacturers, agencies, and others in the supply chain to understand, mitigate, and prevent or reduce the impact. However, experts believe that cancer drug shortages may persist, leading to the denial of potentially life-saving treatments for patients participating in clinical trials. The stress and uncertainty caused by these shortages are not only affecting researchers but also cancer patients, who are already facing significant challenges. Delays in research could potentially deprive patients of breakthrough treatments that could improve their chances of survival.
The cancer drug shortages in the United States have become a critical issue, affecting not only patients’ access to treatment but also the progress of cancer research. The scarcity of vital medications has posed significant challenges to conducting clinical trials and has put the development of new cancer drugs in jeopardy. Urgent measures are needed to address these shortages and ensure that patients and researchers have access to essential medications for better cancer care and future medical advancements.
