As you’ve likely heard on the news or through medical publications, there is currently a nationwide shortage of chemotherapy drugs used to treat certain types of cancer. This is due to several factors, including quality concerns at a large manufacturing facility in India which led to the suspension of production at that location.

The most widely-used drug among the shortages is carboplatin. This drug is used mainly to treat breast, cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancers as well as non-small cell lung cancer. Carboplatin is sometimes used in combination with other drugs or treatments to treat other types of cancer.

Steps HonorHealth is taking:

• Created an internal task force.
  • This group is focused on evaluating current supply and preparing in the event that any changes are needed based on supply fluctuations.
• Working closely with our supply chain partners.
  • The goal is to continue make sure the organization receives the necessary amount of chemotherapy drugs to treat all patients.
• Communicating directly with patients.
  • As always, if there are ever adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan for any reason, their doctor would talk directly to them about the changes and be available to answer all questions and address any concerns.

HonorHealth remains steadfast in our commitment to providing patients with exceptional, high-quality cancer care. If you have a patient that is being treated at HonorHealth Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network that has questions about this nationwide shortage, please advise them to talk to a member of their oncology team. Their care team can help address any questions or concerns directly.

As this situation continues to evolve, we’ll share additional updates through the Medical Staff newsletter.