Things aren’t quite as they seem at cancer pressure group
Cancer United, which is being launched today in Brussels. It describes itself as a pioneering
coalition of doctors, nurses and patients, pushing for equal access to cancer
care throughout Europe.
However, it is merely a front for drug giant Roche, which
makes Herceptin, the new breast cancer ‘wonder drug’, and Avastin, researchers
have claimed.
The drug company is funding the coalition, a senior company
executive sits on Cancer United’s board, and its secretariat is Weber
Shandwick, the drug company’s PR agency.
Several MEPs and the head of the European Cancer Patients
Coalition have already stepped down from United’s board as they were concerned
about the funding arrangements.
At the heart of the new group’s campaign is a controversial
study that has come up with dubious results.
It also happens to have been funded by Roche.
Still, if it keeps the Herceptin bandwagon rolling. . .