War-linked supply crisis impacts cancer medicines:Shortage of key chemotherapy drugs could make treatment up to 50% costlier

The impact of rising geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions is no longer limited to crude oil and fuel prices. According to medical experts, shortages of critical chemotherapy drugs are now making cancer treatment increasingly difficult across India. Doctors warn that a severe shortage of two widely used platinum-based chemotherapy medicines—Cisplatin and Carboplatin—could affect nearly 70 out of every 100 cancer patients, as these drugs form the backbone of first-line treatment for several major cancers. Essential chemotherapy drugs in short supply Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairperson of the Department of Medical Oncology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, said that India has been facing a significant shortage of Cisplatin and Carboplatin for the past two to three weeks. These life-saving drugs are routinely used to treat lung cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, testicular cancer and several other malignancies as part of standard first-line chemotherapy protocols. Hospitals forced to delay or modify treatment Dr. Hardeep Kaur, Medical Superintendent at Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital in Bhopal, said the lack of drug availability is affecting nearly every second patient visiting the hospital. Some patients are unable to complete their prescribed treatment, while others are being sent home without receiving chemotherapy because the medicines are unavailable. She noted that doctors are unable to provide the standard course of treatment despite their best efforts, potentially affecting both treatment continuity and outcomes. Oncologists express growing concern Senior oncologist Dr. T.P. Sahu of Bhopal described the situation as “extremely challenging,” saying that the crisis has expanded beyond fuel and energy markets to include life-saving medicines. He said oncologists are increasingly unable to provide the treatment they would normally recommend. While hospitals have managed to cope over the past month by adjusting supplies, uncertainty remains about how long the situation can continue. Doctors turning to alternative treatment strategies Dr. Tushar Palve, Medical Superintendent at Cama and Albless Hospital in Mumbai, explained that shortages of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs—including Cisplatin, Carboplatin and Oxaliplatin—are forcing physicians to alter standard treatment protocols. Government medical colleges and public hospitals have also been affected. Although alternative chemotherapy medicines remain available, certain cancers specifically require platinum-based drugs, meaning some patients cannot receive optimal treatment. Dr. Palve suggested that domestic pharmaceutical companies should increase production to bridge the supply gap and minimize disruptions in patient care. Prices could rise by up to 50% The central government has reportedly granted in-principle approval for increasing the prices of Cisplatin and Carboplatin in response to rising production costs and nationwide shortages. An official notification is expected soon. Industry assessments indicate that prices could increase by 10% to 50%, allowing manufacturers to restore production and maintain supply. The shortage has been attributed to supply-chain disruptions and reduced availability of platinum-based raw materials, with overall supplies estimated to have fallen by nearly 50%. Affordable drug with no easy substitute According to Dr. T.P. Sahu, Cisplatin has remained one of the most trusted chemotherapy drugs for over two decades, particularly when combined with radiotherapy. Its biggest advantage is affordability. While treatment with Cisplatin can often be completed at relatively low cost, alternatives such as immunotherapy may cost several lakh rupees, making them inaccessible for many middle- and lower-income patients. Any increase in Cisplatin prices is therefore expected to place additional financial strain on patients. Used in around 70% of chemotherapy regimens Former Gandhi Medical College professor Dr. O.P. Singh estimates that Cisplatin is included in nearly 70% of chemotherapy regimens used in India. As a result, shortages have widespread implications, potentially disrupting treatment for a large proportion of cancer patients nationwide. Backbone of treatment for multiple cancers Cisplatin and Carboplatin are considered among the most important chemotherapy medicines worldwide. They are commonly used in the treatment of cancers affecting the lungs, mouth, cervix, ovaries, breasts, testes and gallbladder, among others. Both medicines are included in India’s National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and are subject to government price controls under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO). Industry representatives say that although production costs have risen sharply due to higher raw material prices, regulated selling prices have remained unchanged for years, prompting some manufacturers to scale back or suspend production. The current shortage has highlighted the vulnerability of cancer care to global supply disruptions and raised concerns over the long-term availability of affordable life-saving medicines.