New Survey from NCCN Finds Cancer Drug Shortage Management Remains a Moving Target, Impacting Clinical Trials
NCCN is publishing new results for its latest survey on cancer drug shortages in the United States. This follows data published 1 year ago, and 6 months ago, illustrating how up to 93% of centers surveyed were experiencing shortages of the crucial chemotherapy carboplatin at its peak. In June 2023, 70% of centers surveyed were also lacking adequate supply for cisplatin. In the latest survey, only 11% of surveyed centers reported a shortage of carboplatin and 7% for cisplatin; but new concerns have emerged.
“Critical drug shortages were not a new problem last year and they continue to be a problem now,” explained Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “The dual carboplatin and cisplatin shortage was particularly severe, and we were able to help sound the alarm during its peak. Despite a renewed attention to drug shortages over the past year, 89% of the responding centers in the latest survey are still reporting shortages of various important anticancer agents and supportive care medications. Most of them are still managing shortages for more than one type of medication right now. These shortages not only put a burden on patients, caregivers, and providers, but they could also delay vital clinical trials and slow the pace of progress for new cancer therapies.”
According to the latest survey results—fielded May 28 through June 11, 2024—of the 28 responding centers, 57% reported a shortage of vinblastine, 46% for etoposide, and 43% for topotecan. Some level of shortage was found for many other chemotherapies and supportive care medications, including dacarbazine, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, and others. Many of these drugs form the backbones of effective multiagent regimens across both curative and palliative treatment settings.
The ongoing drug shortages were also found to affect clinical trials at 43% of centers by impacting budgeting, enrollment, and raising 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, Senior Director of Policy & Advocacy, NCCN. “The federal government has a key role to play in addressing this issue. Establishing economic incentives, such as tax breaks or manufacturing grants for generic drugmakers, will help support a robust and resilient supply chain—ultimately safeguarding care for people with cancer across the country.”
Respondents noted concerns about how the current marketplace incentivizes unsustainable practices, with 75% stating they would like to see economic incentives put in place to encourage the high-quality manufacturing of medications, especially generic versions that are often in short supply. Additionally, 64% felt there was a need for a broader buffer stock payment. The same percentage would like to see more information made available on user experience for various suppliers.
The NCCN Policy and Advocacy team has been involved with national efforts, working with federal regulators, agencies, and lawmakers to implement long-term solutions to drug shortages. Learn more and view past and present survey results by visiting NCCN.org/drug-shortages.
NCCN and Medlive Renew Collaboration to Enhance Cancer Care in China
NCCN is pleased to announce the renewal of its strategic collaboration with Medlive. This ongoing relationship will continue to facilitate the dissemination of the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) across China via nccnchina.org.cn and Medlive’s platforms for computer, smartphone, and tablet.
The NCCN Guidelines provide evidence-based expert consensus-driven recommendations for cancer-related care. There are currently 88 different guidelines covering 97% of cancer incidence globally, plus recommendations for prevention, screening, and supportive care. NCCN Guidelines are accessible in China with enhanced download speeds and a streamlined registration process as a result of this joint effort.
“NCCN’s mission is to improve and facilitate quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care so that all patients can live better lives,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NCCN. “We work tirelessly to provide the latest recommendations regarding appropriate cancer care to patients and healthcare professionals worldwide. This renewed collaboration with Medlive reinforces our commitment to global health by ensuring Chinese medical professionals and their patients have the critical resources needed to optimize cancer care.”
NCCN’s resources are globally recognized and utilized, with nearly half of the more than 1.9 million registered users accessing NCCN Guidelines living outside the United States as of June 2024. China is the second highest country for number of users, after the United States. Those users are responsible for more than 850,000 guideline downloads annually, many of them through Medlive.
“We are thrilled to continue working with NCCN to bring essential oncology resources to Chinese healthcare professionals through the Medlive platform,” said Lixin Tian, President, Executive Director, Medlive. “This ongoing collaboration ensures that oncologists in China have rapid access to the widely respected NCCN Guidelines, facilitating high-quality, evidence-based patient care.”
Jiangtao Xin, Vice President, Medlive, emphasized the importance of the reaffirmed affiliation: “Our work together serves as a bridge between oncology experts in China and the United States, allowing for mutual learning and better patient outcomes.”
The 2 organizations will continue to cooperate to maintain the library of NCCN Guidelines on Medlive’s platform, many of which are now available in Chinese as well as in English. For more information on NCCN’s global initiatives to improve cancer care around the world, visit NCCN.org/global.
