Specific carboplatin and cisplatin shortages fell to 11%
and 7% respectively, but 89% of centers surveyed continue to report
shortages for at least one type of systemic therapy; 75% are
experiencing two or more drug shortages.
PLYMOUTH
MEETING, Pa., June 26,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Comprehensive
Cancer Network® (NCCN®)—a nonprofit alliance
of leading cancer centers—is publishing new results for its latest
survey on cancer drug shortages in the
United States. This follows data published one year ago, and
six months ago, illustrating how up to 93% of centers surveyed were
experiencing shortages of the crucial chemotherapy carboplatin at
its peak. In June 2023, 70% of
centers surveyed were also lacking adequate supply for cisplatin.
In the latest survey, only 11% of surveyed centers reported a
shortage of carboplatin and 7% for cisplatin; but new concerns have
emerged.
89% of responding centers are still
reporting shortages of important anti-cancer agents and supportive
care medications.
"Critical drug shortages were not a new problem last year and
they continue to be a problem now," explained Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive
Officer, NCCN. "The dual carboplatin and cisplatin shortage was
particularly severe, and we were able to help sound the alarm
during its peak. Despite a renewed attention to drug shortages over
the past year, 89% of the responding centers in the latest survey
are still reporting shortages of various important anti-cancer
agents and supportive care medications. Most of them are still
managing shortages for more than one type of medication right now.
These shortages not only put a burden on patients, caregivers, and
providers, but they could also delay vital clinical trials and slow
the pace of progress for new cancer therapies."
According to the latest survey results—fielded May 28 through June 11, 2024—of the 28 responding
centers, 57% reported a shortage of vinblastine, 46% for etoposide,
and 43% for topotecan. Some level of shortage was found for many
other chemotherapies and supportive care medications, including
dacarbazine, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, and others. Many of
these drugs form the backbones of effective multi-agent regimens
across both curative and palliative treatment settings.
The ongoing drug shortages were also found to affect clinical
trials at 43% of centers by impacting budgeting, enrollment, and
raising administrative burden. 27% reported treatment delays due to
shortage-related changes that required additional prior
authorization. The responding centers continue to mitigate the
impact of shortages through a combination of strategies, including
waste reduction management plus adjusted timing and dosage within
evidence-based ranges.
"The current situation underscores the need for sustainable,
long-term solutions that ensure a stable supply of high-quality
cancer medications," said Alyssa
Schatz, MSW, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy,
NCCN. "The federal government has a key role to play in
addressing this issue. Establishing economic incentives, such as
tax breaks or manufacturing grants for generic drugmakers, will
help support a robust and resilient supply chain—ultimately
safeguarding care for people with cancer across the country."
Respondents noted concerns about how the current marketplace
incentivizes unsustainable practices, with 75% stating they would
like to see economic incentives put in place to encourage the
high-quality manufacturing of medications, especially generic
versions that are often in short supply. 64% felt there was a need
for a broader buffer stock payment. The same percentage would like
to see more information made available on user experience for
various suppliers.
The NCCN Policy and Advocacy team has been involved with
national efforts, working with federal regulators, agencies, and
lawmakers to implement long-term solutions to drug shortages. Learn
more and view past and present survey results by visiting
NCCN.org/drug-shortages.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The
National Comprehensive Cancer Network®
(NCCN®) is a not-for-profit alliance of
leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research,
and education. NCCN is dedicated to improving and facilitating
quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so all
patients can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice
Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) provide
transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for
cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services; they are the
recognized standard for clinical direction and policy in cancer
management and the most thorough and frequently-updated clinical
practice guidelines available in any area of medicine. The NCCN
Guidelines for Patients® provide expert cancer treatment
information to inform and empower patients and caregivers, through
support from the NCCN Foundation®. NCCN also
advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and
research collaboration and publication in oncology. Visit
NCCN.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Rachel
Darwin
267-622-6624
darwin@nccn.org
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SOURCE National Comprehensive Cancer Network