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Laetrile: Should the Dying Patient Decide?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 January 2021

George J. Annas
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Extract

On July 1,1980, at four major medical institutions across the United States, the National Cancer Institute began testing Laetrile on cancer patients on whom all other therapy has failed. The study calls for 200 patients to receive the drug, along with a natural food diet. Results should be known in two years, and should demonstrate once and for all whether or not Laetrile has any cancer inhibiting effects. The study was undertaken primarily because of the large amount of publicity proponents of Laetrile have generated over the past five years, rather than any independent evidence that Laetrile may be an effective anticancer agent. Its commencement, however, provides a useful opportunity to review the legal status of Laetrile, and to suggest a possible approach to the controversy it has caused.

Type
Research Article
Information
Nursing Law & Ethics , Volume 1 , Issue 7 , September 1980 , pp. 1 - 9
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 1980

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References

1. Tuma v. Board of Nursing, 593 P.2d 711 (Idaho 1979).Google Scholar
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