Survey reveals 'alarming' widespread impact of chemotherapy drug shortages
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Key takeaways:
- Chemotherapy drug shortages continue despite significant attention.
- Fewer cancer centers reported shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin compared with a similar survey in June.
Most U.S. cancer centers reported experiencing a shortage of at least one type of oncology drug, according to the results of a National Comprehensive Cancer Network survey.
Specifically, 86% of centers reported experiencing a shortage of at least one oncology drug, 72% reported experiencing a shortage of carboplatin and 59% reported experiencing a shortage of cisplatin.
“Everyone with cancer should have access to the best possible treatment according to the latest evidence and expert consensus guidelines,” Robert W. Carlson, MD, CEO for NCCN, said in a press release.
“Drug shortages aren’t new, but the widespread impact makes this one particularly alarming,” Carlson added. “It is extremely concerning that this situation continues despite significant attention and effort over the past few months. We need enduring solutions in order to safeguard people with cancer and address any disparities in care.”
In June, the NCCN Best Practices Committee reported on survey results that showed 93% of U.S. cancer centers reported experiencing a shortage of carboplatin and 70% lacked a steady supply of cisplatin.
Both the June survey and the current survey conducted in September focused on the two most common platinum-based generic chemotherapy medications used in various treatment scenarios.
Results of the current survey additionally showed that several other key medications are in short supply, with 66% of centers reporting a shortage of methotrexate, 55% a shortage of 5-flourouracil, 45% a shortage of fludarabine and 41% a shortage of hydrocortisone.
“These drug shortages are the result of decades of systemic challenges,” Alyssa Schatz, MSW, senior director of policy and advocacy for NCCN, said in the release.
“We recognize that comprehensive solutions take time, and we appreciate everyone who has put forth proposals to improve investment in generics and our data infrastructure,” Schatz added. “At the same time, we have to acknowledge that the cancer drug shortage has been ongoing for months, which is unacceptable for anyone impacted by cancer today. These new survey results remind us that we are still in an ongoing crisis and must respond with appropriate urgency.”
References:
NCCN Best Practices Committee drug shortage follow-up survey results. Available at: www.nccn.org/docs/default-source/oncology-policy-program/NCCN-Drug-Shortages-Survey-Update.pdf. Published Oct. 5, 2023. Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
U.S. cancer centers continue to see chemotherapy shortages, according to update from NCCN (press release). Available at: https://www.nccn.org/home/news/newsdetails?NewsId=4178. Published Oct. 5, 2023. Accessed Oct. 5, 2023.
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