The Unethical and Disgusting Colon Cancer Trial
This blog discusses a recent trial of a new drug for colon cancer that has been deemed unethical and disgusting. The author argues that the trial has prioritized researchers' feelings over the lives of human beings, and that the drug has a modest benefit with no one being cured.
Vinay Prasad MD MPH
Professor @ucsf, Physician-Scientist, Writer; More at @vkprasadlab @plenary_session, YouTube, #vpzd podcast & @Sensible__Med; Views are mine
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The trial is unethical and disgusting
— Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) June 17, 2023
Colon cancer patients died on placebo when there are drugs we would give, and which were given post progression
Be honest, you are prioritizing researchers feelings over the lives of human beings dying on study so a company can make money. https://t.co/6v84ACvooI -
The author points out that post-progression therapy is low. That's true. But the study wasted their time so their performance status could deteriorate. And many may not be in places where they have access to. The drug. Would be higher if it was active. Comparator
— Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) June 17, 2023 -
— Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) June 17, 2023
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Honestly, this is nonsense. We would give the same drugs again. You can keep giving 5 FU. We used to do it. In fact that's what they did post protocol.
— Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) June 17, 2023
Could have been a lot higher if they did it before they had progression.https://t.co/ssIOjh1hde -
Yes, It is corrupt and unethical. When you would in real life give someone 5fu. When you would give your mother 5u. When you would give your father 5fu. And when you give it after progression, as they did
— Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) June 17, 2023
Placebo control crc trials need to go bye byehttps://t.co/AK0OdZ5JsF -
I reiterate the pointshttps://t.co/RruPXrcp1j
— Vinay Prasad MD MPH (@VPrasadMDMPH) June 17, 2023