Cancer Drug Shortages Persist at Top U.S. Centers — SkimNews
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- NCCN survey found all surveyed cancer centers are experiencing a shortage of at least one cancer medication, with more than 20% reporting shortages of five or more different drugs
- 61% of centers said they can still treat patients only by avoiding waste, limiting use of existing inventory, and administering the minimum suggested dosing
- Two-thirds of centers reported that shortages delay treatment because they must re-pursue prior authorization from insurers
- A majority of centers also said clinical trials have been disrupted by the ongoing shortages
- The survey was conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a nonprofit alliance of 34 leading cancer treatment centers
Why it matters: Every surveyed center is rationing at least one cancer drug, and 61% are resorting to minimum dosing — meaning U.S. cancer patients at top institutions are receiving sub-optimal or delayed care while clinical trial enrollment, which drives future therapies, is also being disrupted.
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