The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has released a follow-up survey on the ongoing chemotherapy shortages, refreshing findings they originally shared in June 2023. According to their results, 72% of the cancer centers surveyed continue to experience a shortage of carboplatin, and 59% are still seeing a shortage of cisplatin. Overall, 86% of the centers surveyed reported experiencing a shortage of at least one type of anticancer drug.
The NCCN Best Practices Committee’s June 2023 survey results found that 93% of cancer centers surveyed at that time were experiencing a shortage of carboplatin, and 70% lacked a steady supply of cisplatin. NCCN’s follow-up survey was conducted from September 6 to 27, 2023.
“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 of NCCN. “Drug shortages aren’t new, but the widespread impact makes this one particularly alarming. It is extremely concerning that this situation continues despite significant attention and effort over the past few months. We need enduring solutions in order to safeguard people with cancer and address any disparities in care.”
Drug shortages aren’t new, but the widespread impact makes this one particularly alarming. It is extremely concerning that this situation continues despite significant attention and effort over the past few months. We need enduring solutions in order to safeguard people with cancer and address any disparities in care.— Robert W. Carlson, MD
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Key Survey Findings
The September 2023 survey included responses from 29 of NCCN’s 33 member institutions—all leading academic centers from across the United States, which may not reflect any additional challenges experienced by smaller community practices serving rural and marginalized patients. Nearly all the centers reported being able to continue treating every patient who needs carboplatin or cisplatin, despite lowered supply, primarily by implementing strict waste management strategies.
The survey results also revealed several other key medications currently in short supply, including 66% of centers reporting a shortage of methotrexate, 55% for fluorouracil, 45% for fludarabine, and 41% for hydrocortisone.
“These drug shortages are the result of decades of systemic challenges,” said Alyssa Schatz, MSW, Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy for NCCN. “We recognize that comprehensive solutions take time, and we appreciate everyone who has put forth proposals to improve investment in generics and our data infrastructure. At the same time, we have to acknowledge that the cancer drug shortage has been ongoing for months, which is unacceptable for anyone impacted by cancer today. These new survey results remind us that we are still in an ongoing crisis and must respond with appropriate urgency.”
Both surveys focused on two platinum-based generic chemotherapy medications that are recommended for treating hundreds of different cancer scenarios, according to the NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium (NCCN Compendium®). The searchable database features every recommended use for cancer medication found in any of the evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®).
