Do New Cancer Drugs Work? Too Often We Don’t Really Know

Researchers find more than half of 39 clinical trials studied had serious flaws likely to exaggerate treatment benefits

Cancer patients seeking help from a new cancer drug are often better served by more thoroughly researched treatments, a new study suggests. Elnur/Shutterstock

It’s hard to find anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer. People who haven’t had cancer themselves will likely have a close friend or family member who has been diagnosed with the disease.

If the cancer has already spread, the diagnosis may feel like a death sentence. News that a new drug is available can be a big relief.