Every cancer center that responded to a new National Comprehensive Cancer Network survey reported a shortage of at least one anticancer drug, and more than 20% were short on five or more medications, the network said Sept. 10. The most common gap was ifosfamide, a generic chemotherapy in short supply at 94% of responding centers, according to NCCN's announcement.
Carboplatin shortages have returned at 71% of centers, 16% reported cisplatin shortages, and more than half reported shortages of BCG, an immunotherapy used for bladder cancer. These older generic drugs form the backbone of many standard treatment plans.
