Sir, – Further to "Thousands of patients to benefit under €5.3m plan for clinical trials" (News, October 13th), incorporating the results of clinical trials into medical practice can only be welcomed, but faster access to experimental drugs and therapies does not benefit all patients.
Two-thirds of cancer drugs in phase three trials are rejected, so there is a good chance of having an inferior treatment.
Potential participants in trials must be fully informed of the detriments as well as the advantages of taking part. – Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN DOHERTY,
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Gaoth Dobhair,
Co Dhún na nGall.