STAT+: Cancer medicines remain in short supply across the U.S., survey finds

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.

The survey was conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a nonprofit alliance of 34 treatment centers. All of the centers said they are experiencing a shortage of at least one medicine, and more than 20% are currently reporting shortages of five or more different medications.

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, the survey noted.