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National Stockpiling of Pediatric Cancer Medications in the United States: An Alternative Approach to Hospital-Based

Maxwell L Izen1, Mia Lynch1, Charles L Bennett1,2

  • 1The Southern Network on Adverse Reactions (SONAR) at The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC.

Cancer Journal (Sudbury, Mass.)
|September 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric cancer drug shortages create a public health crisis. This review examines hospital inventory practices and recommends including pediatric cancer drugs in the Strategic National Stockpile for better access.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Public Health
  • Health Systems Pharmacy

Background:

  • Pediatric oncology patients face significant barriers to accessing essential cancer medications.
  • Drug shortages create a public health crisis, impacting treatment completion and patient outcomes in the United States.
  • Lack of oversight in manufacturer, distributor, and hospital practices exacerbates resource availability issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of current hospital drug inventory practices on pediatric cancer medication access.
  • To develop recommendations for improving the distribution of critical pediatric cancer drugs.
  • To explore the potential of integrating pediatric cancer drugs into the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS).

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on drug inventory practices within hospital settings.
  • Analysis of factors contributing to pediatric cancer drug shortages.
  • Development of policy recommendations for enhanced drug distribution.

Main Results:

  • Current hospital inventory practices contribute to unpredictable access to pediatric cancer medications.
  • A significant need exists for improved regulatory oversight in the drug supply chain.
  • The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) presents a viable mechanism for ensuring a more predictable supply.

Conclusions:

  • Implementing pediatric cancer drugs into the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) is recommended.
  • Enhanced regulatory strategies are crucial for mitigating drug shortages.
  • Addressing medication access barriers is vital for pediatric cancer patient care.

Keywords:
cancer drug shortageschemotherapy availabilitydrug access policyessential medicineshospital-based storagemedication supply chainnational stockpilepediatric cancer treatmentpediatric oncologypublic health preparedness

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