A reliable supply of cancer drugs is foundational to safe, effective cancer treatment across Canada. However, disruptions can occur due to manufacturing issues, regulatory delays, safety concerns, ingredient shortages, or demand surges.
Identifying and communicating shortages in the cancer drug supply early can help to limit disruption to patient care. This requires coordinated action across the entire supply chain including manufacturers, pharmacies, healthcare providers, governments, and regulators.
CAPCA does not manage the drug supply chain, regulatory processes, or care delivery. But its role convening Canada’s provincial cancer agencies and programs on matters of shared interest means it can help them navigate the space between drug shortages and their impact on patient care.
Who’s involved
To support provincial cancer agencies and programs in responding to shortages in the cancer drug supply, CAPCA established the Cancer Drug Supply Shortage Collaborative Committee (CDSSCC) in 2026 as one of its standing committees.
The CDSSCC is comprised of representatives from each provincial cancer program. Its roles are to:
- Support pan-Canadian coordination, communication and collaboration related to cancer supply drug shortages that may impact systemic cancer treatment.
- Champion timely information sharing, coordinated response planning, and collaborative mitigation strategies across provincial cancer agencies and programs.
The CDSSCC builds on CAPCA’s previous work in the areas of drug sustainability, supply, and funding evaluation.
