Segment 04: A Philosophy of Clinical Research (and Its Early Controversies)

Abstract

Dr. Buzdar first sets his philosophy of clinical research in the context of his early work on aggressive chemotherapies. He says that a principle investigator should always be honest with the patient.

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The “gold standard,” he says, is full information.

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Dr. Buzdar notes that there was almost a “cult” attitude at the time that the best procedure was to push more drugs at higher doses, without evidence that this had an impact on outcomes. He notes that he was chair of the institutional review board at the time.

He then notes that MD Anderson was the first institution to add taxanes to the FAC regimen, a combination that is still standard of care.