Cancer Drug Shortages Complicate Care at NCCN Centers

All cancer centers responding to a late-August National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) survey reported a shortage of at least one anticancer agent, according to data released by NCCN on September 10. The survey gathered responses from pharmacy directors and other clinical and administrative leaders at NCCN member institutions. More than 20% of centers reported shortages affecting at least five medications.

Ifosfamide was the most commonly cited shortage, reported by 94% of responding centers. Carboplatin shortages were reported by 71%, while 16% reported a cisplatin shortage. More than half also reported shortages of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy for bladder cancer.

Asked whether national or state policies had changed the drug-shortage situation since 2023, 96% of pharmacy directors said conditions had remained the same, and 4% said they had improved. NCCN began surveying member institutions about drug shortages in June 2023 amid carboplatin and cisplatin supply concerns.

Managing the shortages required pharmacy- and physician-led mitigation strategies at 61% of responding centers to maintain recommended doses and schedules. Most used waste-management strategies, while others considered alternative recommended regimens. When treatment plans required modification, 90% reported needing repeat prior authorization, which NCCN said increased work per patient and introduced the potential for delays in continuity of care.

Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, NCCN chief executive officer, said member centers had developed strategies, task forces, and communication plans to keep patient care and clinical trials on track, but these efforts require time and added stress. Alyssa Schatz, DrPh, MSW, NCCN vice president of policy and advocacy, said nearly every responding pharmacy director favored economic incentives for high-quality manufacturing of generic cancer drugs; respondents also sought better information about generic suppliers and earlier manufacturer notifications to FDA.

Source: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. New NCCN survey highlights persistent cancer medication shortages across United States. News release. National Comprehensive Cancer Network; September 10, 2026. Accessed September 11, 2026.