Sunday, September 9, 2012

Ethical Questions about Control Groups

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/19/health/research/19trial.html?hp

For most scientific studies, setting up a control group with a placebo is necessary to determine how effective the new drug might be. But, what if the drug has shown promise to relieve much suffering and even extend the life of the patient? Is it still ethical to not provide the patient with the drug?

This is a tough question, especially in cases dealing with cancer where the disease and even the treatments cause much suffering.

What do you think?

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