Is Hope a Culprit in Cancer Clinical Trials?

A recent study conducted by Emory University School of Medicine found that therapeutic misconception is alive and well in Phase I cancer research. According to the Chicago Tribune, “people enrolled in early stage trials for possible cancer treatments may underestimate the risks involved and overestimate the potential benefits.”

The culprit: hope. Yes, that’s right. Plain unabashed optimism. As one of the study authors Rebecca Pentz describes it: “When participants describe the risks and benefits of participating in the trial, they may use their descriptions to stay hopeful.” That blasted hopefulness is clouding people’s understanding of research risk and benefit.…

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