Cancer is one of the leading causes of death
and disability in the world, affecting millions of people every year. However, many
cancer patients face a serious challenge in accessing effective and affordable
treatments, especially in the United States, where a record number of cancer drugs
are in shortage.
According to the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA), 14 cancer drugs are currently in shortage, affecting thousands of patients
who need chemotherapy or immunotherapy to fight their disease [1]. Some of the drugs
in shortage are carboplatin and cisplatin, two platinum-based drugs that are used as
first-line treatments for a variety of cancers, such as ovarian, breast, lung, head
and neck, and testicular cancers [2]. These drugs are essential for improving
survival and quality of life for many patients, but they are also scarce and
expensive due to supply chain disruptions, manufacturing problems, quality issues,
and market forces [3].
The impact of the cancer drug shortage is not
only felt by current patients, but also by future ones. The shortage is hampering
cancer research and innovation, as many clinical trials that rely on these drugs are
delayed, cancelled, or compromised [4]. Clinical trials are crucial for testing new
therapies, finding better ways to use existing drugs, and advancing the scientific
knowledge of cancer biology and treatment. However, with the limited availability of
cancer drugs, researchers face difficulties in designing, conducting, and completing
their studies.
For example, Dr. Shadia Jalal, a medical
oncologist and researcher at Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive
Cancer Center, said that the drug shortage has affected every aspect of her work.
She has been involved in several clinical trials that have improved patients'
chances of beating their cancer, but she also faced challenges in obtaining the
drugs she needed for her studies [4]. She said that some institutions have shut down
many new clinical trials that involve drugs in shortage, while others have had to
modify their protocols or switch to alternative drugs that may have less efficacy or
more side effects [4].
The drug shortage also affects the National
Cancer Institute (NCI), the federal government's main agency for cancer research and
training. The NCI said that at least 174 of its own trials may be affected by the
shortage [4]. However, this number does not account for other trials that rely on
these drugs or possible trials that researchers would like to start but can't. The
NCI said that it is working with the FDA, drug manufacturers, and other stakeholders
to mitigate the impact of the shortage on its research programs [4].
The cancer drug shortage is a complex and
multifaceted problem that requires urgent and coordinated action from all parties
involved. Some possible solutions include increasing production capacity,
diversifying supply sources, improving quality control, enhancing regulatory
oversight, incentivizing drug development, ensuring fair pricing and reimbursement,
prioritizing allocation based on clinical need, and promoting collaboration and
communication among stakeholders [3]. These solutions may not be easy or quick to
implement, but they are necessary to ensure that cancer patients and researchers
have access to the drugs they need to save lives and advance science.
References
[1] M. Kopf and C. Beck, "Cancer drug
shortages: 14 medicines now in short supply, according to FDA," NBC News , May 26 ,
2023.
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/cancer/cancer-drug-shortages-14-medicines-now-short-supply-fda-says-rcna86106
[2] J. Christensen , "Drug shortages’ effects
on cancer research may be felt for years to come," CNN , July 20 , 2023.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/20/health/drug-shortage-cancer-research/index.html
[3] A. S. Kesselheim et al., "Oncology Drug
Shortages: Causes , Consequences , And Policy Responses," Journal of Clinical
Oncology , vol. 40 , no. 8 , pp. 875-883 , March 10 , 2023.
[4] National Cancer Institute , "Drug
Shortages Affecting NCI-Supported Clinical Trials," July 15 , 2023.
https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/budget/plan/drug-shortages
