Cancer treatment is not just about fighting the disease, but also about maintaining hope. Obviously, when essential medicines are not available, the anxiety of patients and their families increases. Recently, there have been reports of shortage of two important cancer drugs – cisplatin and carboplatin – in India.
**Which patients need these medicines?**
According to the National Cancer Institute, cisplatin and carboplatin are used to treat many types of cancer, including lung, cervical, ovarian and head-neck cancer. Oncologists (cancer specialists) consider them to be one of the most important medicines in the treatment of cancer. For many patients, these medications are a key part of their treatment, and shortages can make it difficult to deliver chemotherapy on time.
**Why are hospitals facing difficulties?**
Many government and private hospitals across the country have confirmed the shortage of these medicines. Although some hospitals were initially making do with their existing stocks, supplies have become increasingly scarce over the past few weeks. The situation has become such that patients and their families have to visit many medical stores and hospitals to get medicines.
**What effect can this have on treatment?**
Experts say that time is of the essence in cancer treatment; Every chemotherapy session happens according to a fixed schedule. According to Dr. MD Ray, surgical oncologist of AIIMS Delhi, non-availability of these medicines can spoil the treatment plans. This may increase the risk of cancer recurring and may also affect the patient’s chances of recovery. In some cases, doctors have had to postpone chemotherapy sessions, while alternative drugs are being considered for other patients.
**What is the reason for shortage of medicines?**
Many reasons are being given for this crisis. The main reason is the shortage of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) used in making these medicines. Additionally, rising costs of production and disruptions in global supply chains have further compounded the problem. Drug companies say that the prices of raw materials have increased significantly, which has affected production.
Rising prices of platinum are also a reason
Cisplatin and carboplatin are both platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. In recent months, platinum prices have increased rapidly in the international market. According to experts, the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and disruptions in global supplies have worsened the situation.
