An ongoing shortage of cancer medications continues to force leading cancer centers around the U.S. to seek work-around strategies to treat patients and a majority also report that clinical trials have been disrupted, according to a new survey.
All of the centers noted they are experiencing a shortage of at least one medicine, and more than 20% of the centers are currently reporting shortages of five or more different medications. The survey was conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a nonprofit alliance of 34 treatment centers.
Meanwhile, 61% reported they are able to treat patients despite shortages, but only by trying to avoid wasting medicines, limiting use of existing inventory and administering the minimum suggested dosing. Two-thirds of the centers also said shortages delay treatment, because they must again pursue prior authorization from insurers.
