NCCN Survey Shows Persistence of Oncology Drug Shortages Across Centers

Chemotherapy drug medical: © Trsakaoe - stock.adobe.com

The ongoing shortage of vital chemotherapy drugs in the United States continues to plague cancer centers across the nation. Despite initial efforts to mitigate the crisis, a follow-up survey conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) conducted between September 6 and 20, 2023 showed that carboplatin and cisplatin remain in short supply.¹

Among the cancer centers experiencing shortages who were surveyed, 72% and 59%, respectively, continue to experience a shortage of cisplatin and carboplatin. Moreover, 86% of the centers included are experiencing shortages of at least 1 type of anti-cancer drug.

Not only are these drug shortages impacting platinum-based drugs but also other essential medications, as found in the survey. A total of 66% of centers reported having a shortage of methotrexate, 55% of 5-fluorouracil, 45% of fludarabine, and 41% of hydrocortisone. With this crisis, pressure has been placed on healthcare providers to maintain the quality and effectiveness of care for patients with cancer.

“If our patients don't survive their initial cancer, then developing new drugs is a moot point, right? The patients aren't going to be around to treat,” said Ann LaCasce, MD, MMSc, associate professor of medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, director of the Dana Farber/Mass General Brigham Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology, in a previous interview with Targeted Oncology^TM. “We need to lobby our Congress, and there's just got to be better support for these drugs.”

The shortage of cisplatin has been ongoing in the United States since February 2023, and carboplatin has been in shortage since April. According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, ongoing and active drug shortages are the highest they have been in a decade.²

According to experts, these drug shortages are not new and come as a direct result of decades of systemic challenges. While solutions continue to be explored, the situation remains urgent.

"Everyone with cancer should have access to the best possible treatment according to the latest evidence and expert consensus guidelines," said Robert W. Carlson, MD, chief executive officer for NCCN, in a press release.¹ "Drug shortages aren’t new, but the widespread impact makes this one particularly alarming. We need enduring solutions in order to safeguard people with cancer and address any disparities in care."

Since June 2023, NCCN has been at the forefront of advocating for solutions for the scarcity of agents. The organization has called upon the federal government, pharmaceutical industry, providers, and payers to collaborate and ensure quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care.

Since then, collaborative efforts involving the White House, National Cancer Institute, Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, and other oncology nonprofits to find both short-term and long-term solutions.

"We are grateful for all of the progress that has been made since June, but we won’t rest until we know we can prevent anti-cancer drug shortages from happening in the future," added Carlson.

REFERENCE:

1. U.S. cancer centers continue to see chemotherapy shortages, according to update from NCCN. News release. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network. October 5, 2023. Accessed October 5, 2023. https://tinyurl.com/4dz8ax42

2. Drug shortages statistics. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Accessed October 5, 2023. https:// bit.ly/3AjrNfZ