What Is the Value of Clinical Trials

Few subjects in the treatment of disease arouse so much emotion and concern as does that of cancer, and particularly breast cancer. And similar to all emotionally laden issues, there is difficulty letting go of long-held views of treatment that have provided some degree of help and subsequent security for both physicians who administer treatment and for patients who receive it. It is expected, therefore, that controversy develops when new therapies are proposed or introduced that challenge these existing views. Yet challenging established views, many of which are vigorously defended with only non-randomized experience, is critical to improving treatment results for early breast cancer.