Cancer Decisions - Free Newsletter

A NEW SPECIAL REPORT IS LAUNCHED

In our latest special report, The Politics of Hope - Andrew von Eschenbach and the Decline of the National Cancer Institute, we investigate one of the most Quixotic figures in the world of American medicine. During his four-year tenure as Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Andrew von Eschenbach embarrassed many of his peers with his bizarre announcement that the suffering and death due to cancer could, and would, be eliminated by the year 2015. To those who have worked industriously for decades towards that elusive goal, von Eschenbach's assertion seemed both fantastic and inappropriate. Thirty-five years after the War on Cancer was declared by Congress, and despite countless billions spent on research, no cure is even remotely in view. What can have possessed von Eschenbach to make such a prediction?

During his term at the National Cancer Institute, von Eschenbach has played a pivotal role in reaffirming and reinforcing the unhealthy intimacy between Big Pharma (the major multinational drug companies) and the medical research establishment. Since von Eschenbach is now officially nominated to take over the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the body responsible for licensing and approving all drugs for use in medical practice, this connection is set to become even closer.

Indeed, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that von Eschenbach and his appointees and associates are strongly inclined towards reshaping the drug approval process in such a way as to relax existing criteria for effectiveness. Easing of existing demands for stringency in testing could result in drugs being approved for the treatment of cancer and other diseases with little or no evidence that they actually prolong life or are any better than simple supportive care.

This latest report from Ralph W. Moss, PhD, is a detailed account of the political forces behind von Eschenbach's bizarre assurances concerning imminent victory in the War on Cancer, and the potentially disastrous effects that von Eschenbach's philosophy and policies may have should he become confirmed as the next head of the FDA.

The 29-page report is priced at $9.95 and can be downloaded directly from our Web site, www.cancerdecisions.com.

To purchase a copy of The Politics of Hope - Andrew von Eschenbach and the Decline of the National Cancer Institute, please click here or go to:
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We asked several experts on NCI politics for their prepublication comments on The Politics of Hope. Here are their comments:

"Andrew von Eschenbach baffled many of his peers when, during his tenure as Director of the National Cancer Institute, he confidently predicted the total elimination of all US cancer deaths and suffering by 2015. His assertion was both bizarre and inappropriate. What is behind von Eschenbach's strange prediction?

"In a masterful analysis, Ralph Moss examines von Eschenbach's track record and speeches and concludes that these exaggerated claims consolidate the connection between Big Pharma and the medical research establishment. Since Dr. von Eschenbach has now been nominated to take over the FDA, it is incumbent upon the US Congress to closely examine his record.

"Moss writes with a unique combination of high excitement and unruffled level-headedness. Even though the subject matter is highly controversial, he never personalizes the struggle, but backs up his quiet assertions with all relevant references. Eloquent, probing and incisive, this is Moss at his very best: a work of sure-footed investigative journalism that will absorb and challenge every interested reader."

— Samuel S. Epstein, MD, professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine at the University of Illinois School of Public Health, and Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition (www.preventcancer.com).

"Dr. Moss provides an excellent critical evaluation of the politics and the science behind the approval of new cancer drugs; the forces that would further weaken the FDA approval process; and the unrealistic goal of cutting the U.S. cancer death rate to zero by 2015 advanced by Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach who is poised to become our next FDA commissioner."

— Maryann Napoli, associate director of the Center for Medical Consumers, New York, now in its 30th year, and editor of its celebrated monthly publication, HealthFacts. She also serves on the editorial board of the online version of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

"Dr. Ralph Moss is one of America's most insightful observers of the complex world of cancer therapeutics. This probing review of Dr. Andrew von Eschenbach's bid to take over the Food and Drug Administration asks all the right questions. Every Senator who will vote on his nomination should read this report before they ask theirs.

—Merrill Goozner, prominent health commentator (http://www.GoozNews.com) and author of The $800 Million Pill (University of California Press, 2005).

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

The news and other items in this newsletter are intended for informational purposes only. Nothing in this newsletter is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.