Promising Practices to Reduce the Impact of Drug Shortages on Cancer Care

A recent NCCN discussion panel on oncology drug shortages in the United States illuminated the stark contrast between the nation’s health care expenditure and the challenge of ensuring drug availability for cancer treatment. Industry experts across health care disciplines discussed the root causes and consequences of drug shortages, shedding light on the significant impact these shortages have on patient care and health care operations. They also discussed broader systemic failures, such as the lack of manufacturing transparency and flawed supply chains. The conversation called for immediate action, including advocacy and improved drug distribution management, an emphasis on resilience, legislative measures to bolster supply chain robustness, and a complete systematic overhaul to guarantee consistent drug access for cancer care.