(NewsNation) — The nation’s biggest cancer centers continue to struggle with drug shortages with 89% of centers reporting shortages of one or more chemotherapy drugs, according to a new survey by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
That percentage has not changed much from last year, when about 86% of surveyed centers reported a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer drug. But what has changed is specifically which cancer drugs are impacted.
The NCCN survey found 57% of the centers reported a short supply of the chemotherapy drug vinblastine, which is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to treat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and cancer of the testicles.
46% of the responding centers reported shortages in the chemotherapy drug etoposide and 43% reported a shortage of the chemotherapy drug topotecan.
“Sadly, as a practicing oncologist, I am well aware of and understand the challenges facing my patients and colleagues regarding oncology drug shortages, which have been going on for years. On the bright side, we have seen a new enthusiasm for both short- and long-term solutions since last year’s survey came out. Our new survey shows the short-term solutions were fairly effective at meeting immediate needs,” Dr. Crystal Denlinger, chief executive officer of the NCCN said.
The ongoing drug shortages were also found to affect clinical trials at 43% of centers by impacting budgeting, enrollment, and raising the 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, the senior director of policy and advocacy, NCCN. “The federal government has a key role to play in addressing this issue.”