89% of cancer centers reported a systemic chemotherapy drug shortage

On June 26. 2024, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers, published survey results assessing cancer drug shortages. Among the 28 centers surveyed, only 11% reported 0 drug shortages, while the remaining 89% reported shortages of one or more drugs. More specifically, 75% of centers reported shortages of two or more systemic chemotherapy drugs.

A closer look at the responses found that vinblastine was the most common drug in shortage, with 57% of centers reporting a shortage. Other medications in shortage include etoposide, topotecan, dacarbazine, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, carboplatin, cisplatin, leucovorin, amifostine, hydrocortisone, and streptozocin.

Although 11% and 7% of centers reported carboplatin and cisplatin shortages, the NCCN points out that this is a decline from 2023, when 93% of centers experienced carboplatin shortages and 70% experienced cisplatin shortages.

“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 of the NCCN, in the press release. “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.”

Additionally, 75% of centers have received notifications regarding drug shortages from community practices in their area.

As a result of the shortages, 56% of centers have enacted mitigation strategies to treat all of the patients receiving the regimens with the intended dose and schedule. Among those mitigation strategies, centers implemented waste management strategies, limited the use of the current stock, and used range minimums for recommended doses and range maximums for recommended treatment intervals.

“The current situation underscores the need for sustainable, long-term solutions that ensure a stable supply of high-quality cancer medications,” added Alyssa Schatz, MSW, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy of the 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.”