In May, the organization surveyed 27 cancer centers about their supply levels of cisplatin and carboplatin — two staple chemotherapies used for multiple cancers — and 25 said they were experiencing shortages. Four months later, the scope of the monthslong shortages is slightly better.
The latest survey found that 72% of the centers were short on carboplatin and 59% continue to report a cisplatin shortage. Overall, 86% of centers surveyed reported experiencing a shortage of at least one type of anti-cancer drug.
In the previous survey, 93% of cancer centers were facing a carboplatin shortage and 70% “lacked a steady supply of cisplatin,” the NCCN said.
In mid-September, the White House declared the nation’s cisplatin shortage was nearly over after the U.S. imported lots from China and domestic drugmakers ramped up production. Around the same time, a Novartis prostate cancer drug, Pluvicto (lutetium lu-177 vipivotide tetraxetan) injection, returned to normal supply levels after falling into shortage in March.
A few other cancer drugs have recently joined the pile of ongoing shortages, though, including vinblastine — a lymphoma therapy that does not have an equal alternative.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.