science environment

Many Cancer Drugs May Not Help People Live Longer

By Kristian Foden-Vencil (OPB)
Portland, Oregon Oct. 23, 2015 6:51 p.m.
00:00
 / 

More than half of all cancer drugs recently approved by the Food And Drug Administration may not help patients live longer, according to a new study by an Oregon doctor.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

The FDA approves cancer drugs in different ways.

The most comprehensive way requires manufacturers to show their drug actually extends a patient’s life. But they can also get accelerated approval by showing their drug shrinks tumors or stops them growing.

Dr. Vinay Prasad of Oregon Health and Science University looked at 54 drugs approved between 2008 and 2012. He found only five showed evidence of improved survival and 18 showed no effect on survival.

Prasad thinks it is okay for the FDA to approve drugs that only shrink tumors, “But I do think it’s important for patients and for the public that in a reasonable period of time these drugs should  followed up to make sure that they are not false leads — that they actually do what we think they do, which is make people live longer,” he said.

In a statement, the FDA says it’s widely accepted that the benefit of a drug can be demonstrated many ways, not just by survival.

The study is reported in JAMA Internal Medicine and is co-authored by Dr. Chul Kim of the National Cancer Institute.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Become a Sustainer now at opb.org and help ensure OPB’s fact-based reporting, in-depth news and engaging programs thrive in 2025 and beyond.
We’ve gone to incredible places together this year. Support OPB’s essential coverage and exploration in 2025 and beyond. Join as a monthly Sustainer or with a special year-end contribution. 
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: