Despite being described as one of the first therapies to actually work in the primary prevention for breast cancer, there appears to be suspicion about a drug which is both expensive and can have such negative side-effects. We would argue that what we are seeing here, writ large, are current societal views about medicine and wonder cures. In addition, Dr. Di Bella's treatment makes use of somatostatin, melatonin and retinoids, all of which ring bells with the literate patient who is peripherly aware of scientific interest in these substances. On the other hand, there are mixed views if no downright suspicion surrounding a drug which has been scientifically developed and properly tested and appears to be truly a breakthrough. What is needed is for physicians to speak out against any therapy which is unproven or unprovable while at the same time being open-minded enough to realize patients will tried unsanctioned approaches.
Intuitive leaps glitter in the public eye but usually prove to be fools' gold.