"Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn"

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Previous research indicated a negative correlation between aspirin use and breast cancer incidence.
• Despite this potential link, no randomized trials have been initiated to confirm the association.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the reasons behind the lack of randomized trials investigating aspirin's effect on breast cancer.
• To examine the systemic issues hindering research on non-profitable drugs.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on aspirin and breast cancer.
• Analysis of the funding landscape for pharmaceutical research.
• Examination of the objectives of public granting agencies and private charities.

Main Results:

• No randomized trials have been initiated to test the association between aspirin and breast cancer.
• Pharmaceutical companies are unlikely to fund aspirin research due to lack of profit potential.
• A mismatch exists between public interest in research and institutional objectives, including those of government-funded agencies and charities.

Conclusions:

• The absence of aspirin-breast cancer trials is attributed to systemic issues in research funding and institutional priorities.
• Further investigation is needed to understand how to align research incentives with public health needs for non-proprietary medications.