The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Association for Clinical Oncology (collectively ASCO) are closely monitoring the current, acute shortages of cisplatin and carboplatin in the United States. ASCO has developed guidance for clinicians who are navigating the situation and offered recommendations to policymakers to help mitigate the current shortages and prevent similar situations in the future. ASCO is also keeping its members up-to-date as supplies of both drugs become available.
ASCO has a dedicated drug shortages website that will be kept up to date as information on the availability of drugs in shortage is released from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The site also offers clinician resources and links to more information. The organization is also sharing rapid updates on Twitter.
ASCO strongly encourages members to report drug shortages directly to FDA. While the agency is aware of critical shortages, it is important that it receives these reports to better assess the scope of shortages and use in mitigation activities.
ASCO will remain in close contact with FDA and will also continue to share its concerns and recommendations with Congress. ASCO members can use the ACT Network to urge lawmakers to take the organization’s recommended steps to mitigate drug shortages.
Specifically, ASCO is asking Members of the House of Representatives to support a “Dear Colleague Letter” addressed to FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf. The letter expresses concerns about the oncology drug shortage and asks the Agency to identify additional flexibilities and authorities to prevent or mitigate future drug and medical device shortages. The letter is being circulated by Reps. Ami Bera, MD (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.), Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), and Mike Kelly (R-Penn). Urge your Representatvie to support the letter by June 7.
Bookmark asco.org/drug-shortages and ASCO in Action to stay up to date on the current shortage of cancer drug treatments, as well as breaking news, advocacy, and analysis on cancer policy.
