Dear colleagues, friends, and gynecologic oncology community,
The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) and Foundation for Women’s Cancer (FWC) stand in solidarity with you during the nationwide chemotherapy drug shortage. Our leadership team, committee volunteers, and society professionals are working together to rapidly provide our members and patients with clinical guidance, educational materials, and support during this unprecedented time. Drug shortages may last for months or longer, and the SGO/FWC is committed to staying at the forefront of this issue and doing everything possible to be part of short- and long-term solutions.
Our multi-pronged strategy thus far includes:
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Development of guidelines to preserve chemotherapy supply and provide evidence-based alternative chemotherapy options
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Advocacy with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and insurance companies to support these recommendations
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Distribution of running surveys to inform the dynamic scope of the chemotherapy shortage and longitudinal impact on our membership
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Production of multiple webinars addressing the drug shortage, with practical clinical guidance, patient-facing education, and updates on our legislative and policy efforts
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Advocacy on Capitol Hill with multiple House representatives and an invitation to present our concerns and strategies to the House Cancer Caucus
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Discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner, Group Purchasing Organizations, and health policy experts to understand the root causes of the shortages and solutions and share our data on the impact of the drug shortages on our patients and providers
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A social media and press blitz to alert the public about the chemotherapy shortage and strongly encourage drug manufacturers and the federal government to act expeditiously
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We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated and exceptional partners, including:
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GOG Foundation on the alternative chemotherapy guidelines
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Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance on patient-facing educational materials
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American Society of Clinical Oncology Drug Shortage Task Force to assist their membership with development of oncology-wide alternative chemotherapy guidelines
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Angels for Change to identify chemotherapy emergency supply for patients in need
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Based on what is being reported by the FDA and the American Society of Hospital-Based Pharmacists, select manufacturers are back online and new shipments of cisplatin and carboplatin are expected soon. Although we are hopeful for resolution of the acute drug shortage crisis, we recognize that prevention of future drug shortages will require innovative, multidimensional solutions and continued national advocacy.
The SGO/FWC remain committed to further awareness regarding the national chemotherapy shortage crisis and pursuing synergistic opportunities to address long-term solutions to prevent future shortages. By working together we can further all our mission to improve the lives of people with gynecologic cancer through equity, advocacy, engagement, education, research and collaboration.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns related to the chemotherapy shortage.
In solidarity and with tremendous gratitude for all you do,
Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD, MHSc
SGO President
Wendy Brewster, MD, PhD
SGO President Elect I
Amanda Fader, MD
SGO President Elect II
Ginger Gardner, MD
FWC Chair