Scientists have identified many ways of controlling cancer cell propagation, but little of this new technology is being used in the clinical practice of medicine. When a scientific discovery is made, drug companies spend years seeking a patent and then more years carrying it through the bureaucratic approval process. The reason why so many cancer patients continue to die is an antiquated regulatory system that causes potential therapies to be delayed or suppressed altogether.

The system needs to be changed if we are to make a realistic attempt to save the 1,500 American cancer patients who die each day. Our long-standing proposal has been to change the law so that anyone can "opt-out" of the FDA's so-called umbrella of "protection." The way this approach will work is that companies will be allowed to sell novel products with a label clearly stating that they are "Not Approved By The FDA." Patients who trust the FDA can use fully approved drugs only, while those willing to take a risk will be allowed to try those they choose in consultation with their doctors. Companies that make fraudulent claims for products could be prosecuted under the laws that exist today.

We believe that this free market initiative will result in a renaissance in the practice of medicine, analogous to the computer technology revolution that has occurred over the past two decades. In this free market environment, many inexpensive cures can be found for lethal diseases. And greater competition will help eliminate the health care cost crisis that exists today. In this far more rational system, when you hear about a medical breakthrough on the news, you won't have to wait years before the therapy might become available.

Today's over-regulated system results in terminally ill people hearing of scientific discoveries that could cure their disease, but being quickly advised by the newscaster that the therapy is years away from FDA approval. We think that terminally ill people in consultation with their doctors should be able to decide what drugs they are willing to try.

What cancer patients and their families must do

There are millions of cancer patients alive right now who face possible or probable death in the next 12 months. If you add up family members and friends, there are tens of millions of Americans who should be outraged by an outdated regulatory system that blocks access to potentially life-saving therapies.

The reason the FDA can continue to suppress innovative therapies is that cancer patients have failed to organize for the purpose of abolishing the FDA's arbitrary authority.

The first step to changing today's outmoded system is to organize those who understand the magnitude of this problem into a group that will make an impact on Congressional leaders.

We ask those who are concerned about cancer to take action now. If you don't have a computer, send your name and address to:

Cancer Patient Advocates
PO Box 1067
Hollywood, FL 33022

You will be kept informed on legislation actions to break down the bureaucratic barriers that deny effective therapies to cancer patients.