NCCN Survey: Ongoing Cancer Drug Shortage Affects Clinical Trials

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., June 26, 2024 – The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a nonprofit alliance of premier cancer centers, has released new findings from its most recent survey on cancer drug shortages in the United States. This survey follows previous data from a year and six months ago, highlighting the ongoing challenges in securing crucial chemotherapy drugs. Previously, up to 93% of surveyed centers reported shortages of carboplatin at its peak, and 70% faced a lack of cisplatin. Recent data shows that the shortages have somewhat eased, with only 11% of centers reporting a shortage of carboplatin and 7% for cisplatin, yet significant issues persist.

"Critical drug shortages were not new last year and they remain a significant issue today," stated Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. "The simultaneous shortage of carboplatin and cisplatin was particularly alarming, and our efforts helped raise awareness during its peak. Despite increased attention over the past year, 89% of centers in the latest survey are still facing shortages of various essential anti-cancer drugs and supportive care medications. Many centers are dealing with shortages of more than one type of medication, which not only burdens patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers but also risks delaying vital clinical trials and slowing the development of new cancer treatments."

The latest survey, conducted from May 28 to June 11, 2024, involved 28 cancer centers. The findings revealed that 57% of the centers reported a shortage of vinblastine, 46% for etoposide, and 43% for topotecan. Additionally, shortages affected other chemotherapies and supportive care medications, such as dacarbazine, 5-fluorouracil, and methotrexate. These drugs are crucial components of effective multi-agent regimens in both curative and palliative treatment contexts.

The drug shortages are also impacting clinical trials. Approximately 43% of centers reported that shortages affected trial budgeting, enrollment, and increased administrative workload. Moreover, 27% noted treatment delays due to changes necessitating additional prior authorization. In response, centers are employing various strategies to mitigate the impact, including waste reduction management and adjusting timing and dosage within evidence-based ranges.

"The current circumstances underscore the necessity for sustainable, long-term solutions to ensure a stable supply of high-quality cancer medications," emphasized Alyssa Schatz, MSW, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy at NCCN. She highlighted the federal government's role in addressing this issue, suggesting that economic incentives, such as tax breaks or manufacturing grants for generic drugmakers, could help bolster a robust and resilient supply chain, ultimately ensuring the consistent availability of cancer treatment medications.

Survey respondents expressed concerns about market practices that incentivize unsustainable behaviors. Specifically, 75% of them advocated for economic incentives to encourage high-quality manufacturing of medications, particularly generics that are often in short supply. Additionally, 64% saw a need for broader buffer stock payments, and the same proportion wanted more transparency regarding user experiences with various suppliers.

The NCCN Policy and Advocacy team is actively engaged in national efforts, collaborating with federal regulators, agencies, and legislators to implement long-term solutions to drug shortages.

About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network®

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is an alliance of leading cancer centers dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of cancer care. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) offer expert recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services and are recognized as the standard for clinical policy in cancer management. The NCCN Guidelines for Patients® provide expert information to empower patients and caregivers. NCCN also promotes continuing education, global initiatives, policy, and research collaboration in oncology.