Critical Shortages Persist: US Cancer Centers Struggle to Access Vital Chemo Drugs, Reveals Alarming Survey
Major US cancer centers continue to face alarming shortages of vital chemotherapy drugs, hindering patient care Limited progress has been made in resolving this ongoing crisis
Many of the largest cancer centers in the nation are experiencing a persistent shortage of crucial chemotherapy drugs in the United States.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recently released survey results that showed 72% of the 29 cancer centers surveyed reported a shortage of the chemotherapy medication carboplatin, while 59% are still facing a shortage of the drug cisplatin. Both carboplatin and cisplatin are commonly used together to treat various types of cancer.
Drip infusion of a patient in a hospital room.
SimpleImages/Moment RF/Getty Images/FILE
Cancer centers, hospitals still feeling effects of ongoing cancer drug shortages
In total, 86% of the centers surveyed reported a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer medication. The survey was conducted between September 6 and 20 and involved 29 of the 33 institutions within the network. This survey serves as an update to a previous one conducted in May, which discovered that 93% of cancer centers experienced a scarcity of carboplatin, while 70% faced similar shortages of cisplatin.
Cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs are prescribed to approximately 10% to 20% of cancer patients, as reported by the National Cancer Institute.
The American Association for Cancer Research states that several cancer medications have experienced shortages for years, and this year has seen record shortages. The White House announced in September that there is a shortage of 15 cancer drugs, attributed to manufacturing and supply chain issues. Among these drugs, cisplatin, carboplatin, and methotrexate are widely used generic medications that have been essential in cancer treatment for many years.
"Access to the most effective treatment based on the latest evidence and expert consensus guidelines is a fundamental right for all cancer patients," stated Dr. Robert Carlson, CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, in a news release.
While drug shortages are not unprecedented, the far-reaching consequences of the current situation are highly worrisome. Dr. Carlson expressed deep concern over the persistence of this issue, despite significant attention and efforts in recent months. He stressed the urgent need for long-term solutions to ensure the well-being of cancer patients and to bridge any gaps in their care.
A cancer patient holds the IV tubes during chemotherapy.
Chris Hondros/Getty Images/File
Cancer experts demand action to end ongoing drug shortage: Peoples lives are really at stake
Dr. William Dahut, the chief scientific officer for the American Cancer Society, who was not part of the new survey, emphasized the significance of addressing concerns regarding the availability of carboplatin and cisplatin, which are crucial drugs in cancer treatment. According to him, it is crucial to prioritize the manufacturing aspect to prevent future shortages.
"Are there provisions for maintaining a reserve of drugs? Is there a mechanism to monitor supply chains and economic concerns?" Dahut questioned. "However, the implementation and funding of such provisions remain unclear. It is essential to address these aspects. Rather than simply responding to crises as they arise, it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive approach for the short-term, medium-term, and long-term."
The participating centers in the recent survey also highlighted shortages of several other crucial cancer medications. Seventy-six percent reported a scarcity of the chemotherapy drug methotrexate, while 55% faced a shortage of the chemotherapy drug 5-fluorouracil. Additionally, 45% experienced a deficit in the chemotherapy drug fludarabine, and 41% encountered difficulties in accessing the corticosteroid medicine hydrocortisone.
Alyssa Schatz, the senior director of policy and advocacy for the network, stated in the news release that the drug shortages are a consequence of long-standing systemic difficulties.
Get CNN Health's weekly newsletter
Sign up here to get The Results Are In with Dr. Sanjay Gupta every Tuesday from the CNN Health team.
"We acknowledge the time required for comprehensive solutions and express gratitude to those who have proposed initiatives to enhance investment in generics and our data infrastructure," stated Schatz. "However, we cannot ignore the fact that the shortage of cancer drugs has persisted for several months, which is unacceptable for individuals currently battling cancer. These latest survey findings serve as a reminder that we are still facing a crisis that demands immediate action."
According to the network, the surveyed cancer centers represent renowned academic institutions and may not fully encompass the additional difficulties faced by smaller practices, particularly those in rural areas or under-resourced communities.
The network comprises several renowned cancer centers in the United States, such as Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins. It operates as a not-for-profit alliance in the field of cancer research and treatment.
