Poor Science; Poorly Trained Scientists; Poor Policies: Major Deterrents to the War on Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Research Policy
• Scientific Training

Background:

• Funding availability is often cited as a limitation in cancer research.
• However, progress has been significantly impeded by suboptimal scientific practices and training.
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) policies heavily influence research direction and funding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critique the current NIH-centric approach to cancer research.
• To advocate for a shift from a molecular biology focus to a more holistic, physiological perspective.
• To propose a revised strategy for advancing cancer research and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of current NIH policies and their impact on research funding and scientific training.
• Review of historical approaches to cancer research.
• Incorporation of perspectives from NCI Directors regarding the necessity of molecular biology studies.

Main Results:

• The NIH's extreme focus on molecular biology (genomics, genetics) has detrimentally shaped research and training across medical research agencies.
• This narrow focus has diverted attention from essential physiological and pathophysiological aspects of cancer.
• Past NCI leadership has questioned the exclusive reliance on molecular biology.

Conclusions:

• The current NIH policies prioritizing molecular biology have hindered, rather than advanced, the war on cancer.
• A return to a holistic, physiological/pathophysiological approach is crucial for effective cancer research.
• Reforming NIH policies is essential to foster better science and train more capable scientists for impactful cancer research.