Many of the United States’ largest cancer centers continue to grapple with an ongoing shortage of critical chemotherapy drugs, according to a report released by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The survey, conducted among 29 cancer centers across the country, revealed that 72% of them reported a shortage of the chemotherapy medication carboplatin, while 59% were still experiencing a shortage of the drug cisplatin.
These drugs are commonly used in combination to treat various types of cancer. In total, a significant majority of the surveyed centers, or 86%, reported a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer drug. This situation represents an ongoing issue that has persisted despite efforts to address it. The survey, conducted between September 6 and 20, was an update to a previous survey in May, which found that 93% of cancer centers reported a shortage of carboplatin and 70% reported shortages of cisplatin.
Cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs are prescribed for approximately 10% to 20% of all cancer patients, according to the National Cancer Institute. Several cancer medications have been intermittently in short supply for years, with record shortages occurring in the current year, according to the American Association for Cancer Research.
The White House has also highlighted a shortage of 15 cancer drugs in September, attributing the issue to manufacturing and supply chain problems. Notably, three of these drugs – cisplatin, carboplatin, and methotrexate – are widely used generics that have been fundamental to cancer treatment for decades.
Dr. Robert Carlson, CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, expressed concern over the persistent shortage and emphasized the importance of ensuring that everyone with cancer has access to the best possible treatment. He stressed the need for lasting solutions to safeguard cancer patients and address disparities in care.
Carboplatin and cisplatin are considered essential drugs for cancer treatment, and questions need to be answered regarding how to prevent future shortages. Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer for the American Cancer Society, who was not involved in the survey, highlighted the significance of addressing the manufacturing aspect to rectify the issue.
He raised questions about the possibility of having drug reserves and examining supply chains and economic factors. However, the implementation and enforcement of such measures, along with funding considerations, would need to be addressed for lasting solutions.
The surveyed cancer centers also reported shortages of other key cancer medications, including methotrexate (66% shortage), 5-fluorouracil (55% shortage), fludarabine (45% shortage), and hydrocortisone (41% shortage). Despite the reduced supply of carboplatin and cisplatin, nearly all of the surveyed centers reported that they were able to treat every patient in need of these drugs by implementing strict waste management strategies and other approaches.
The ongoing drug shortages in the field of cancer treatment are the result of systemic challenges that have persisted for decades, according to Alyssa Schatz, the senior director of policy and advocacy at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. While comprehensive solutions are being explored, she emphasized the need for urgent action to address the ongoing crisis and ensure that patients impacted by cancer receive the care they require.
It’s important to note that the surveyed cancer centers are leading academic institutions and may not reflect the additional challenges that smaller practices, especially those in rural or under-resourced communities, may be facing.
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