Kosovo Oncology Clinic admits shortage of Palbociclib cancer drug

Ilir Kurtishi, Director of the Oncology Clinic at the University Clinical Center of Kosovo (QKUK), has confirmed a temporary shortage of the drug Palbociclib, used to treat advanced hormone-positive breast cancer. The shortage occurred because the number of patients receiving treatment reached 80, which was double the original plan of 40 patients, leading to unforeseen expenditures.

The announcement follows the death of a breast cancer patient. While the ‘Renesansa’ Breast Cancer Patient Association reported the patient went four months without the medication, Kurtishi stated that the patient was never without therapy and had received the medication personally for two months. He noted the patient had been battling cancer for six years and faced a relapse with advanced metastases in late 2025.