At Duke University, researchers had developed a genetic test to determine the best way to fight cancer.  They would examine the tumor cell genomes to identify the best drugs for the particular type of cancer the patient has contracted. Unfortunately, these tests were found not to work, and the research that was used to support them was discredited.

This shows that there are some problems with genetic research and its use in cancer detection and treatment. Many of the present genetic research in cancer has not yielded any tangible benefits. There have been many claims that cancer research can be facilitated by the use of genetics, but it just isn’t being realized.

This Duke case may be an indication that genetic research for cancer applications is more complex than originally thought. From what I’ve seen from what passes for science in genetic research, gene technology is in its elementary stages. It is analogous to a someone trying to perform advanced calculus before graduating from preschool.

Researchers compile lots of data, but they really have no fundamental understanding of the controlling structure behind how the DNA actually works to control the cell and its metabolism. As complicated as the metabolic pathways have been characterized by scientists, it is barely a scratch on the surface of understanding. I think that this is one of the major reasons why the results of genetic research in cancer treatment (as well as in other diseases) is woefully ineffective.  At present, scientists really have no real clue about how or why the cell functions the way that it does. They have a collection of observations with no relevant frame of reference within which to exercise any meaningful predictive ability.

This is not to say that they will never understand the cell. But currently, it appears that scientists have been routinely overstating their ability to utilize genomic research.  This is what appeared to be the most disturbing observation about this Duke University genetic research incident.  Some scientists routinely covered up errors and failed to be honest about the ineffectiveness of their systems.  It is a good thing that other scientists were honest and forthright about pointing out the flaws in the research that they observed.

I don’t think that scientists should stop genetic research. But I do think that they should be more honest, and should not be so profit-oriented.  That is probably very difficult when you have Big Pharma desperately searching for the next blockbuster drug discovery or complex medical procedure.  It is just another illustration of the inescapable fact that patients and laypeople should be vigilant when searching for cancer treatments and medical treatments in general.  You just can’t always believe everything that anyone says. You must do your own research. The more knowledgeable the patient, the better the prognosis.