National Survey on the Effect of Oncology Drug Shortages in Clinical Practice: A Hematology Oncology Pharmacy Association Survey

Abstract

QUESTION ASKED: How are shortages in chemother-apeutics and/or supportive care agents used in cancer care affecting your institution? SUMMARY ANSWER: Oncology pharmacists reported frequent impactful drug shortages that have interrupted cancer care delivery. Sixty-four percent of organizations experienced on average at least one or more oncology drug shortages per month. Treatment delays were common in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and lymphomas because of shortages with vinca alka-loids. Supply chain strains of injectable hydrocortisone and dexamethasone and intravenous immune globulin due to the COVID-19 pandemic were also reported to have affected cancer care. WHAT WE DID: A 36-item online survey was distributed to oncology pharmacists who were members of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association. We sought to investigate the impact of drug shortages with chemotherapy and supportive care agents routinely used in cancer care. Survey questions were focused on drug shortage impact on patient care, drug costs and resource utilization, safety implications, and effect on clinical trials.