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Research and new methods

The “cure found” headline: how to read it

News stories often carry headlines like “cure for leukaemia found”. Usually they describe the first result of a laboratory or early-stage study.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A stack of folded newspapers
Figure 1.Newspaper headlines

01Short answer

Check: where was the result obtained, in cells in a dish, in mice or in people? How many participants were there? Was there a comparison group? Was the paper published in a scientific journal? Which type of leukaemia does it concern? The road from laboratory to pharmacy usually takes many years, and most candidate medicines stop along the way. If a headline pushes you to change your treatment, talk to your doctor first.

02Simple explanation

Tested where?

How many people?

Any comparison?

Talk to your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

MedlinePlus: check the source, date and evidence behind health information.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Red flags

“Miracle”, “100%”, “doctors are hiding it”, an offer to buy.

A small dish
Figure 2.A small dish — The “cure found” headline: how to read it

Signs of reliability

Source, date, trial phase and stated limits.

A long staircase
Figure 3.A long staircase — The “cure found” headline: how to read it

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Red flags“Miracle”, “100%”, “doctors are hiding it”, an offer to buy.
Signs of reliabilitySource, date, trial phase and stated limits.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Preclinical
The stage before testing in people.
Peer review
Checking of a paper by other scientists.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Can I get this medicine now?

Usually not; perhaps through a trial, so ask your doctor.

Is the news false?

More often exaggerated than false.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can I get this medicine now?

  2. Is the news false?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Evaluating Health Information
  2. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  3. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adult Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  6. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Treatment (PDQ®) — Patient Version
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: minimal residual disease
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). The Genetics of Cancer
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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