The Lingering Impact of Drug Shortages on Cancer Research and Treatment

The United States is experiencing severe shortages of cancer drugs, impacting thousands of patients and hindering cancer research. The National Cancer Institute reports that at least 174 of its trials may be affected, with two drugs, carboplatin and cisplatin, causing the most harm due to their wide usage. The shortages have made it difficult to conduct basic research and have forced some institutions to shut down clinical trials. The lack of drug supply is jeopardizing the country's push for better cancer medicine and may have long-term ramifications. Experts warn that the shortages are unlikely to improve soon, leaving cancer patients and researchers in a stressful and uncertain situation.