Cancer Drug Shortage Putting Lives at Risk Due to Dysfunctional Market, Doctors Say

US oncology doctors are rationing and modifying treatment for some patients due to a shortage of 14 key chemotherapy drugs.
The shortage is forcing doctors to prioritize patients with the highest chance of survival, delaying or changing treatment for others.
The shortage has been caused by manufacturing issues, as well as a flawed generic drug market that discourages supply of low-cost but critical medications like cisplatin.
The shortage could lead to worse health outcomes and even loss of life for some cancer patients if it continues, doctors warned.
Solutions like alternative supply chains and non-profits are attempting to address the problem, but a comprehensive fix is still needed, experts said.