According to a recent survey conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), common cancer drugs are experiencing shortages in the United States due to ongoing supply chain issues. This has forced doctors to make difficult decisions regarding the treatment of their patients. The survey revealed that 90% of cancer centers in the country are affected by shortages of two main drugs, Carboplatin and Cisplatin. As a result, doctors are struggling to provide these medications to their patients.
Dr. Robert W. Carlson, CEO of the NCCN, expressed concern over the shortage, stating that some facilities in the US have completely run out of Carboplatin and Cisplatin. These drugs are widely used in chemotherapy for various types of cancer, including lung and testicular cancer. However, the current shortage has made it difficult for patients to access these medications.
Gail Lass, a lung cancer patient from Charlotte, North Carolina, experienced firsthand the challenges caused by this shortage. Her doctor did not have any Carboplatin available and was unsure if it could be obtained elsewhere. Eventually, arrangements were made for her to receive chemotherapy at a nearby hospital. However, this situation highlights the increasing difficulty doctors face in acquiring these drugs.
Dr. Justin Favaro, a Hematologist and Oncologist at Oncology Specialists of Charlotte, explained that the shortage has made it more challenging for doctors to obtain the necessary medications. As a temporary solution, the drugs are currently being prioritized for patients with stage 1, 2, or 3 cancer, as treatment in these stages aims to cure the disease. In stage 4, where cure is unlikely, alternative treatment options are considered.
A recent NCCN survey revealed that 93% of US cancer centers reported a shortage of Carboplatin, while 70% reported a shortage of Cisplatin. This shortage is impacting an estimated 10% to 20% of all cancer patients who are prescribed platinum-based drugs like Cisplatin. Dr. Carlson warns that the situation may worsen before it improves.
In response to the shortage, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced plans to work with a Chinese drugmaker to import Cisplatin and alleviate the supply issue. The FDA acknowledges the potential impact of drug shortages on healthcare providers and patients, though they do not have the authority to require increased production or distribution of drugs. However, they are actively collaborating with manufacturers and others in the supply chain to address the intermittent availability of certain products.
Dr. Carlson emphasizes that it is difficult to predict when the conditions will improve. The shortage of Carboplatin and Cisplatin is a concerning situation for both doctors and cancer patients across the country.
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