With thousands of patients around the nation facing postponed or canceled chemotherapy appointments, the United States is currently experiencing some of the greatest cancer medicine shortages in history.
However, scientists argue that these shortages have negative repercussions on cancer research that may last for years beyond just the current patients.
Shortage Of Cancer Medications Affecting Research
According to CNN, at least 174 of the 608 trials conducted by the National Cancer Institute, the federal government’s primary organization for cancer research and training, may be impacted by the shortages.
That figure, however, does not take into account additional experiments that utilize these medications or potential trials that scientists would like to initiate but are unable to.
Many cancer medications have been in and out of limited supply for years for a variety of complicated reasons, according to specialists, but the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reports that at least 25 medications are currently in short supply.
Due to the fact that they are used to treat so many different types of tumors, two in particular, carboplatin and cisplatin, may be harming research the most.
According to the National Cancer Institute, 10% to 20% of all cancer patients are given cisplatin and other medications based on platinum.
Cutting-edge research was supposed to become a national priority when Vice President Joe Biden launched the Cancer Moonshot in 2016 to speed up the rate of progress against cancer.
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Dr. Shadia Jalal’s Concerns Over Drug Shortages
Trials have become almost unachievable due to drug shortages. You begin to question why you are acting in this way. Should I find a new position? enquired with Dr. Shadia Jalal.
Jalal has been in charge of various clinical trials at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center that have increased patients’ chances of defeating cancer.
However, with a record number of cancer drugs in short supply, it has become incredibly difficult to conduct even basic research.
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