Cancer Drug Shortages Are Creating Dire Circumstances for Some Patients

By Berkely Lovelace Jr. and Marina Kopf

There currently is a shortage of four cancer drugs, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Pluvicto, which is used to treat advanced prostate cancer; BCG, which is used to treat bladder cancer; and two common chemotherapy drugs, methotrexate and cisplatin. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists said there also is a shortage of fluorouracil. The shortage is concerning because delayed cancer treatment can increase the risk of death and alternatives to the drugs in shortage may not be as effective. Michael Ganio of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists said one reason for the shortage could be a lack of investment among manufacturers, given that these drugs are less profitable generics. Meanwhile, Erin Fox of the University of Utah attributes the shortages to poor manufacturing practices. She added, “A key challenge in evaluating drug shortages is that drug companies are not required to disclose exactly which company is making the product as well as the location.” Draft guidance issued this month by the FDA would require drugmakers to give at least six months’ notice to the agency of potential shortages or discontinuations and the reason for the issues.

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