The commercial interests and not the interests of patients often guide the cancer care and research, according to a global group of oncologists and patient advocates. Their commentary is published in the journal The Lancet Oncology.

Scientists find that in recent decades there has been a displacement from primarily publicly funded clinical trials designed to answer questions important to patients to industry-sponsored trials aimed at achieving regulatory approval or commercial advantage.

They argue that industry’s control of the research agenda has created a system that focuses primarily on new cancer drugs at the expense of exploring new approaches to surgery, radiation therapy, palliative care and prevention.

In addition, they report that a significant percentage of the industry’s revenue is used for marketing campaigns aimed at influencing patients, policy makers and oncologists, regardless of clinical need.

Through the “Common Sense Oncology” initiative, the experts on cancer call for cancer care to focus on patients rather than commercial bottom line. They also present key guidelines for developing a new movement in patient-centered cancer care.

“While many cancer treatments are making a real difference in the lives of our patients, there are growing concerns that some new treatments are not helping patients live longer or feel better,” notes Professor Christopher Booth of Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada.

“Common Sense Oncology is a global initiative that puts people before profits and promotes shared decision-making with patients. Our vision is for patients to have access to cancer treatments that deliver meaningful improvements in outcomes that matter, regardless of where they live,” he adds.