π¨π “Cancer’s Invisible Enemy: More than Chemo Shortage, it’s a War on Life!” β οΈπ¨ββοΈ
TL;DR;
Waking up to a drug shortage! π± More than 90% of big US cancer centers are facing the nightmare of not having enough chemo drugs, reveals a fresh-off-the-press survey. Carboplatin and cisplatin, two life-saving combos that kick cancer’s butt, are MIA from the scene, leaving docs in a fix and patients in fear! The big Q is, can we afford a drug shortage during such critical times? π€π
π° Full Story:
Hey, Turnt Up News gang! Ever dreamt you’re about to rock out on stage but the electric guitar’s missing? Well, that’s how oncologists across the country feel right now, missing their life-saving, cancer-kicking, power chord drugsβ carboplatin and cisplatin. πΈπ
Not funny, right? π It’s not a hidden camera prank either, folks. In a recent survey, 93% of 27 cancer centers reported a scarcity of carboplatin, while 70% were deprived of cisplatin. These two drugs are like Batman and Robin in the fight against many types of cancers. The scarcity has left medical teams scrambling like crazy to find substitutes. π°π
CEO of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Dr. Robert Carlson, stated, “This is an unacceptable situation.” Do you agree with him? Are you as worried as we are? π€π₯
To put things into perspective, these platinum-based drugs are prescribed to an estimated 10-20% of all cancer patients. So, imagine the scale of the crisis! π΅ Yet, most centers are still pulling all-nighters to treat patients according to the intended dose and schedule. But when can we expect the regular supply to hit the shelves again? Your guess is as good as ours!
Strangely enough, only about 40% of centers have been tipped off by manufacturers or suppliers about when the dynamic duoβcarboplatin or cisplatinβwill be back in action. So, what’s up with the rest? π§π
As the US wrestles with drug shortages, cancer treatments are among the most affected. As of March end, around two dozen chemo drugs were actively missing from the scene, making it the highest shortage since 2014. π
Here’s a ray of hope, though. The US Food And Drug Administration (FDA) is now teaming up with Qilu Pharmaceutical, a Chinese drugmaker, to import cisplatin. Apotex, a Canadian pharmaceutical company, will also join the battle by distributing the injectable medication temporarily. Will this be enough to cover the shortage? Will this international teamwork be the game-changer? ππͺ
As the crisis unfolds, Alyssa Schatz, the senior director of policy and advocacy for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, urges for a united action. She said, “We hope…we can come together to prevent future drug shortages and ensure quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care for all.” And we at Turnt Up News can’t agree more! But what about you? Will this call for unity echo loud enough to prevent a health crisis like this in the future? ππ‘
This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
So, are you ready to dive into this conversation, Turnt Up fam?