Cancer drug shortages persist at US centers, survey shows many face multiple medication gaps

An ongoing shortage of cancer medicines is forcing leading US cancer centers to adopt work-around strategies, and a majority say clinical trials have been disrupted, a new survey reports.

All centers said they face at least one shortage, and more than 20% are dealing with shortages of five or more different drugs, according to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a nonprofit alliance of 34 treatment centers.

While 61% say they can still treat patients, they must avoid waste, limit use of existing inventory and administer the minimum suggested dosing. Two-thirds report that shortages delay treatment because they must pursue prior authorization from insurers again.