Overview
In 2023, the United States faced critical shortages of two vital chemotherapy drugs, cisplatin (CP) and carboplatin (CB), crucial for treating a spectrum of cancers. These scarcities sparked widespread concerns over potential rationing and the need to explore alternative treatment avenues in oncology practices nationwide. Nevertheless, obtaining real-time data on the impact of these shortages on patient care has proven to be challenging and restricted.
This study employed machine-learning techniques to examine how these shortages affected the utilization patterns of CP and CB across seven different cancer types. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset sourced from real-world oncology practices throughout the United States, the study sought to understand the impact of these shortages on treatment decisions and patient patterns during the scarcity period.
Why this matters
The study revealed a significant decline in the use of platinum-based therapies, notably during the shortage period for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and endometrial cancer. This shift suggests that oncologists sought alternative options in response to the shortages. While further investigation is needed to fully understand the impact of these treatment adjustments on patient outcomes, such insights are essential for developing effective strategies to manage drug shortages and ensure optimal patient care in oncology.