A follow-up survey conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has revealed that though shortages of chemotherapy drugs are continuing, they are having little to no impact on mesothelioma patients and others diagnosed with other cancers. Experts attribute this to the adoption of strict protocols and strategies regarding the use of available resources.
Chemotherapy Drug Shortages Include Those Used for Treating Mesothelioma Patients
Patients diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma receive a variety of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. The gold standard chemotherapy treatment for mesothelioma is a combination of Alimta (pemetrexed) and cisplatin, administered as an infusion into the vein. Most patients receive this treatment on an every-three-week cycle.
Cisplatin and carboplatin are both used to treat mesothelioma: Carboplatin is a more recent version of cisplatin that is said to reduce the rare form of cancer’s resistance and improve response while causing fewer side effects. Both cisplatin and carboplatin have been in short supply in cancer treatment centers, with 29 of 33 NCCN centers surveyed between September 6th and 20th showed that 72% had experienced shortages of carboplatin and 59% had shortages of cisplatin.
Despite Shortages, Cancer Treatment Centers Continue Treating Mesothelioma Patients
Despite the shortages of carboplatin and cisplatin, as well as other key therapies used in cancer treatment, cancer specialists have adopted stringent waste management protocols to preserve and optimize these scarce resources. Still, only 64% of centers surveyed in May reported an ability to keep all patients on their existing treatment regimen.
Speaking about the shortages, Alyssa Schatz, MSW, senior director of policy and advocacy at NCCN said, “These drug shortages are the result of decades of systemic challenges. We recognize that comprehensive solutions take time and we appreciate everyone who has put forth proposals to improve investment in generics and our data infrastructure. At the same time, we have to acknowledge that the cancer drug shortage has been ongoing for months, which is unacceptable for anyone impacted by cancer today.”
If you or someone you love is struggling with malignant mesothelioma or lung cancer, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
