| Abstract: |
In cancer therapy, the driving force is our need to define and solve treatment problems. Using simple established principles, we forge ahead in multiple directions, probing numerous avenues, and are frequently diverted, blocked, and spent. Ultimately (as gravity acts on the lava so that it reaches the base of the slope) we do arive at some solutions, but at great expenditure of limited resources. It is in out interest to explore some of the factors which modulate progress; an analysis of these might lead to devising a more efficient system. Data or conclusions from studies are only valuable if they can be communicated and are persuasive. By communication, we mean the ability to reinforce good leads, to persuade others of the importance of new observations and novel insights. Not infrequently, we are oblivious to our colleagues' point of view due to ignorance (communication failure), apathy, or stubbornness and tend to repeat our research activities even if ineffectual. As an example of the way progress is shaped in cancer research, I would like to trace the origin of a drug combination of cis-platinum and VP-16-213, its use in a single tumor type, and view its evolution. It may be equally helpful to be aware of the forces which guide the selection of drugs, which influence their testing, which select the tumor target, and ultimately which bring it to commercial marketing. These forces are: universal need, economic need, intellectual need, serendipity and material resources. |
