One in Four Carboplatin Shortage Allocations Missed Policy Intent
This retrospective audit of a formal allocation policy during the 2023 carboplatin shortage shows where documentation, enforcement, and tracking failed in practice, with direct relevance to oncology pharmacists who lead shortage response.
📅 Journal publication: Oct 1, 2026·Last updated: Oct 24, 2026
★ Must Readcarboplatincisplatinplatinum chemotherapydrug shortageallocation policyrationingoncology pharmacyhealth systemretrospective cohortethicsequityaccountability for reasonablenessOncology Pharmacy
Chemotherapy drug shortages require strategic allocation to ensure patients receive critical treatment. During a carboplatin shortage, 46% of patients received carboplatin, with 74% of decisions aligning with policy intent. Identifying gaps in policy enforcement and addressing biases can enhance allocation processes during shortages. Most allocation decisions during a chemotherapy shortage aligned with intent, but implementation gaps exist.
📊 Deep Analysis Available
Subscribers get the full breakdown: study design, outcomes, pharmacist implications, clinical pearls, GRADE evidence grade, and a downloadable PDF report.
Authors:Blackstone EC, Wang Y, Inyang EA, Shuman AG, Casey M, Abel GA, Hantel A
Citation:Blackstone EC, Wang Y, Inyang EA, et al. Allocation Policy Implementation During a Severe Chemotherapy Shortage. JAMA network open. 2026;9(10):e2633164. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2026.33164
Subscribers receive access to a complete clinical analysis, available online and as a downloadable PDF.
Executive Summary
Study Design
Patient Population
Primary Outcomes
Secondary Outcomes & Safety Profile
Pharmacist Implications
Clinical Pearls
Limitations
Controversies & Evidence Gaps
Cost & Logistics
Want the full analysis?
Subscribe to PharmD Signal for unrestricted access to every deep analysis, plus PDF reports, GRADE evidence grades, and pharmacist implications for every article we publish.