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Experts discuss the challenges of the ongoing cisplatin and carboplatin shortages in the United States and detail how they are adapting in their practices.
During the 2023 International Lung Cancer Congress, OncLive® asked experts from the lung cancer field to discuss the challenges of the ongoing cisplatin and carboplatin shortages in the United States and detail how they are adapting in their practices.
These experts included:
A survey conducted by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Best Practices Committee published in June 2023 showed that 93% of the 27 United States cancer centers polled were experiencing a shortage of carboplatin, and 70% were facing a shortage of cisplatin. The survey showed that 100% of cancer centers were still able to treat patients who need cisplatin without any delays or claim denials; however, only 64% of centers reported being able to keep all patients who were receiving carboplatin on their current regimen. Additionally, 20% of surveyed institutions shared that they could continue this prescription for some but not all patients.
In April 2023, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) recommended that clinical practices minimize ordering non-essential platinum chemotherapy, increase the interval between cycles, and reduce the total platinum dose when clinically acceptable. They also recommended that practices consider minimizing or omitting cisplatin or carboplatin for patients with recurrent platinum-resistant ovarian and other cancers and round doses down to the nearest vial size to ensure efficient use. Lastly, it was stated that platinum-based chemotherapy be reserved for curative-intent treatment or for patients in whom prolonged clinical benefit is anticipated.