Privatization of Cancer Clinical Research Raises Concerns for Practice

“Cancer clinical research has been largely privatized,” explains Joseph Unger, PhD, MS, associate professor in the cancer prevention program at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle. Dr. Unger and colleagues recently assessed patient enrollment in industry-sponsored and federally sponsored clinical trials. They found an 8:1 ratio favoring participation in research backed by industry. This raises significant concerns, he tells Robert A. Figlin, MD, the Steven Spielberg Family Chair in Hematology-Oncology at the Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center in Los Angeles. Dr. Unger explains what he sees as the root causes for the current imbalance, potential negative effects, and possible solutions for how to “rebalance the portfolio.” “I’m doing whatever I can to help illustrate what the issues are through my research,” he notes.

Dr. Unger reported a consulting/advisory role with AstraZeneca and Loxo/Lilly.

Dr. Figlin reported various financial relationships.