On February 6, 2024, Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO, Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO), testified before the full House Committee on Ways and Means on the crisis of ongoing cancer drug shortages. More than 15 cancer drugs continue to remain on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s drug shortage list, with several losing additional supply. Dr. Gralow shared ASCO members’ firsthand experiences managing clinical care in the face of severe shortages. She also urged Congress to take action to help mitigate the problem.
Julie R. Gralow, MD, FACP, FASCO
“[The oncology drug shortage crisis] is forcing providers to make impossible choices, including having to decide which patients receive life-saving and life-prolonging oncology drugs on schedule and in the established doses—and which ones won’t,” said Dr. Gralow.
Approximately half of newly diagnosed patients with cancer are older than age 65, which makes Medicare the largest payer for cancer care in the country. As such, ASCO is urging Congress to take immediate action in three areas:
Payment—Explore alternative payment methodologies that would provide relief from artificially low generic reimbursement rates, thereby encouraging a more reliable supply of drugs. Payment reforms should factor in quality and reliability of supply.
Manufacturing—Encourage the adoption of advanced technology in drug manufacturing and provide incentives such as tax credits or government contracts to increase manufacturing in the United States.
Quality—Consider stronger requirements for risk management plans and incentives for purchasers to contract with manufacturers who demonstrate quality and the ability to provide reliable supply.
“ASCO stands ready to collaborate with Congress to advance comprehensive solutions that ensure individuals with cancer receive the life-saving and life-prolonging treatments they require,” said Dr. Gralow.
© 2024. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
