Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) Working to Minimize Impact on Patients
TALLAHASSEE, Fla., (Monday, May 15, 2023) – Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare (TMH) announced today that it is working to minimize the impact of a nationwide shortage of commonly used chemotherapy drugs that is now being felt in the Tallahassee region.
In February, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a national shortage of carboplatin and cisplatin, drugs used to treat a variety of cancers. This shortage is expected to last several months and possibly longer.
Since the notification, TMH has been working with drug manufacturers to secure as much supply of these drugs as possible. Over the last several days, the shortage has reached a critical level, which will require providers to look at alternative therapies and treatments. TMH will also have to prioritize drugs for those most in need.
“The care of our patients is our number-one priority,” said Tod Morris, MD, Medical Director at the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer Center. “We are taking this shortage very seriously and are committed to developing the best mitigation strategies to minimize the impact on our cancer patients. This is an incredibly difficult situation, as these individuals are some of our most vulnerable patients.”
Carboplatin is commonly used to treat a multitude of solid tumors including ovarian, lung, and head and neck cancers. Cisplatin is used for treatment of numerous cancers including bladder, head and neck, lung, ovarian and testicular cancers.
“These drugs are generally regarded as the gold standard treatment for many types of cancer,” Morris said.
Drug shortages can occur for many reasons, including manufacturing and quality problems, delays, increased demand and discontinuations. With hospitals being impacted nationwide, TMH is unable to transfer the care of its patients to an alternate facility.
“We have asked our providers to review potential alternative combination therapies,” Morris said. “Additionally, we have a multi-disciplinary team reviewing each patient’s specific clinical scenario to modify and transition regimens.” The drug shortages, unfortunately, could create delays in receiving chemotherapy treatment for some patients.
“We are doing everything possible to minimize the impact on our patients and to provide them the best care,” Morris said.
TMH will continue to provide updates to patients, medical practices and the community as they become available. Patients who have questions should contact their medical provider directly.
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About Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Founded in 1948, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH) is a private, nonprofit community healthcare system committed to transforming care, advancing health, and improving lives with an ultimate vision to elevate the standards of healthcare practice, quality and innovation in the region. Serving a 21-county area in North Florida and South Georgia, TMH is comprised of a 772-bed acute care hospital, a surgery and adult ICU center, a psychiatric hospital, multiple specialty care centers, three residency programs, 38 affiliated physician practices and partnerships with Alliant Management Services, Apalachee Center, Calhoun Liberty Hospital, Capital Health Plan, Doctors’ Memorial Hospital, Florida State University College of Medicine, Radiology Associates, Weems Memorial Hospital and Wolfson Children’s Hospital. For more information, visit TMH.ORG.
