Cancer drug shortage causes patients, FDA to scramble for supply of 'chemotherapy backbone'

A shortage of the generic cancer drugs cisplatin and carboplatin, known as the "chemotherapy backbone," has experts sounding the alarm, as some patients already struggling to get life-saving care.with drug manufacturers like the Chinese drugmaker Qilu Pharmaceutical to import the cancer medication cisplatin, as well as carboplatin, to boost supply amid an ongoing shortage.

Cisplatin and other platinum-based drugs are prescribed for 10% to 20% of all cancer patients, according to the. Cisplatin has a cure rate of over 90% when used to treat testicular cancer. It also treats bladder, cervical, ovarian, lung, gastric, breast, and head and neck cancers. At a hearing last month on the shortages, lawmakers criticized the FDA for falling behind on inspections, especially of international facilities. But FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf said that the agency is doing what it can even though the economic issues underlying shortages are not in its purview.

"In these situations, we very carefully assess product quality and require companies to take certain measures to ensure the products are safe for patients. The public should rest assured that we will continue all efforts within our authority to help the industry that manufactures and distributes these drugs meet all patient needs for the oncology drugs impacted by shortages."

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