Former Australian Cancer Researcher Found Accused of Misconduct

Approximately one-third of cancer deaths are caused by factors such as smoking, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low intake of fruits and vegetables, and lack of physical activity. Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively. (Freepik)

A former Australian cancer researcher has allegedly been found unlikely to have performed experiments in a cancer study leading to his work being retracted from a leading research journal.

The Journal of Clinical Oncology has retracted an article by Professor Mark Smyth, citing a lack of correction and supporting information.

An external investigation committee allege that while the raw data was accessible in handwritten and electronic formats, there was a lack of correlation between the numbers in the handwritten notes and the database.

The case report focused on a 39-year-old woman with a history of melanoma in her back. Thirteen months after her initial diagnosis, she presented with widespread metastatic cancer.

The Australian Academy of Science has said it is aware of misconduct findings against its former employee, who is no longer a Fellow of the Academy following his resignation.

Breaching Research Conduct Code

Previously, the most highly cited immunologist in Australia, Prof. Smyth, allegedly breached Codes relating to responsible research conduct.

Leading medical research institute QIMR Berghofer has launched an independent investigation into the findings of research misconduct, with the independent review by former Federal Court Judge and inaugural Independent Commissioner Against Corruption in South Australia, the Hon Bruce Lander QC.

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The Lander Review examined the Institute’s research governance frameworks, leadership and governance structures, and organisational culture. It directly responds to recommendations from a previous independent Panel led by retired appeal court judge Robert Gotterson AO.

The Panel alleged Prof. Smyth had seriously breached Codes relating to the responsible conduct of research and the use of animals in research, with the alleged findings consistent with the fabrication of research data.

The Institute has referred the inquiries conclusions to Queensland’s Crime and Corruption Commission.

QIMR Berghofer council chairman Professor Arun Sharma said a rigorous and transparent response to the Panel’s findings and recommendations is the Council’s highest priority.

She said it would catalyse new research for integrity and cultural processes.

“We are committed to identifying and correcting the activities which led to research misconduct not being identified and prevented at an earlier stage,” she said.

“Council has already signed off on a robust new Research Integrity Framework which will seek to ensure QIMR Berghofer has the most stringent integrity protocols in the country and address any shortcoming on behalf of the Institute about these unacceptable breaches.”

The Institute took further decisive action by notifying clinical trials using research data from Prof. Smyth.

In Australia, participant safety in clinical trials is protected by an independent Human Research Ethics Committee, which forms part of the Australian regulatory system for clinical trials.

No indication of compromised participant safety was found, but relevant funding bodies were notified, and QIMR Berghofer has repaid research grants.

While an independent assessor assisted in verifying the data produced by Prof. Smyth, a newly created role of General Manager of Research Governance and Funding was also created to implement the new Research Integrity Framework at the company.

Professor Mackay received allegations against Prof. Smyth just months after she was appointed Director and CEO.

She said she would leave no stone unturned to ensure the matter was investigated thoroughly.

“These findings are deeply disappointing, and I am determined to get to the bottom of this situation so that it never happens again,” she said.

“It is not easy to prove allegations of this nature, but we acted decisively, going above and beyond what was required of the Institute.

“In the preliminary assessment and subsequently in the Panel investigation, there was an exhaustive review of the available evidence, including work patterns, schedules, and data over a long period,” she said.

“QIMR Berghofer has an outstanding international reputation for its research work, and our hundreds of dedicated scientists, along with the community, deserve the very highest standards – and that is what we will deliver.”

Institute Allegedly Failed to Act

While the review also alleged Prof. Smyth to be “a bully who used his reputation, status and power to intimidate.” It also alleged he avoided proper scrutiny of his scientific methods and investigation of his behaviour.

This was allegedly facilitated because the Institute missed several opportunities to address the issues with whistleblowers having to leave and complain elsewhere before action.

The Lander review alleged that QIMR Berghofer hired Prof. Smyth in 2013 when there were doubts about his methods, yet failed to do character checks.

It also found that Prof. Smyth thrived at QIMR Berghofer because its management structure was unwieldy, the human resources section was dysfunctional, and there was no research integrity office until 2018.

Prof. Smyth had previously worked at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria and mixed in prominent science circles.