What changes are needed to the current direction and interpretation of clinical cancer research to meet the needs of the 21st century?

To the Editor: Articles by Olver and Haines1,2 have catalysed robust discussion about the relationship between the pharmaceutical and device industries and the medical profession.3 These authors advocate changes in the direction of clinical cancer research and in health policy.2 In an era in which research into medicines is dominated by industry, they argue for greater scrutiny of data in a resource-constrained environment, and for fundamental changes in the collection, interpretation and ownership of data. We find their arguments sound and equally applicable to other areas of medicines research and health policy.