‘Unacceptable situation’ in cancer care: Chemotherapy shortages impact majority of centers
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Cancer centers in the United States continue to experience critical shortages of commonly used platinum-based chemotherapies, according to survey results from National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Ninety-three percent of cancer centers reported shortages of carboplatin, with 70% noting inadequate supplies of cisplatin.
The shortages have caused many centers to consider alternate dosing schedules or regimens, although no centers have been informed of related disruptions in patient care.
“This is an unacceptable situation,” Robert W. Carlson, MD, CEO of NCCN, said in a press statement.
“We are hearing from oncologists and pharmacists across the country who have to scramble to find appropriate alternatives for treating their patients with cancer right now,” he added. “We were relieved by survey results that show patients are still able to get life-saving care, but it comes at a burden to our overtaxed medical facilities. We need to work together to improve the current situation and prevent it from happening again in the future.”
The NCCN Best Practices Committee conducted the survey of 27 U.S.-based cancer centers from May 23-31.
Although all centers reported having enough supplies to treat patients requiring cisplatin-containing regimens, only 64% could keep all patients on their intended dose and schedule of carboplatin-containing regimens.
Sixteen percent of centers noted treatment delays because they had to reobtain prior authorizations for alternative treatment regimens due to the carboplatin shortage.
Sixty percent of respondents said manufacturers and suppliers have not indicated when adequate supplies of carboplatin will be available. Those who reported responses from their suppliers quote ranges anywhere from weeks to “no definitive timeframe,” according to the survey.
Beyond platinum-based therapies, cancer centers also identified shortages in methotrexate (67%), fluorouracil (26%) and fludarabine (11%).
“The causes and solutions to the recurrent anticancer-drug shortages that deprive oncology patients of optimal therapy are multiple and fixable,” NCCN said in press statement. “Effective solutions require a whole of oncology effort if they are to be successful.”
NCCN called for expanding support from the fellow oncology community as needed to ensure quality, effective, equitable and accessible cancer care.
References :
- NCCN. NCCN best practices committee carboplatin & cisplatin shortage survey results. June 7, 2023.
- NCCN. NCCN releases statement addressing ongoing chemotherapy shortages; shares survey results finding more than 90% of cancer centers are impacted (press release). Available at: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nccn-releases-statement-addressing-ongoing-chemotherapy-shortages-shares-survey-results-finding-more-than-90-of-cancer-centers-are-impacted-301844896.html. Published June 7, 2023. Accessed June 7, 2023.
Collapse
NCCN. NCCN best practices committee carboplatin & cisplatin shortage survey results. June 7, 2023.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts