FTC warns consumers about bogus cancer cures

[September 20, 2008]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Federal Trade Commission charged five companies with making false and misleading claims for cancer cures and said Thursday that it has reached settlements with six others. "As long as products have been sold there has been somebody out there selling snake oil to consumers," said Lydia Parnes, director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection.

She said the agency, along with the Food and Drug Administration and Canadian authorities, is launching a consumer education campaign warning about bogus claims for cures.

"There is no credible scientific evidence that any of the products marketed by these companies can prevent, cure, or treat cancer of any kind," said Parnes.

The products the companies marketed include essiac teas and other herbal mixtures, laetrile, black salve -- a corrosive ointment -- and mushroom extracts.

Richard Jaffe, a Houston attorney who represents Native Essence Herb Company -- one of those named by the FTC -- argues that the government is trying to censor his client.

The company sells herbs over the internet and advises people that some herbs have a historical use for treatment of cancer and other medical conditions, he said. That is a truthful claim, he said, adding that because an herb was used by ancient Chinese or native Americans doesn't mean it works, "which most people understand."

In addition the agency wants to block reports on trials in other parts of the world, he said, because they might imply a claim.

"In our view it's a battle between the right to speak and the government's censorship," Jaffe said.

Douglas Stearn of the FDA said his agency is concerned that people may forgo effective cancer treatments when choosing these products. In addition, he said, some of these unproven products may have dangerous interactions with other drugs.

"We would urge folks to talk to their doctors," said Stearn.

Parnes said more than 100 warning letters were sent out and many advertisers dropped or changed their claims.

Of the complaints resolved by settlements, she said companies paid restitution ranging from $9,000 to $250,000.

The remaining five complaints of false and deceptive advertising will go before administrative law judges, she said.

Those cases are Omega Supply, San Diego, Calif.; Native Essence Herb Company, El Prado, N.M.; Daniel Chapter One, Portsmouth, R.I.; Gemtronics, Inc., Franklin, N.C., and Herbs for Cancer, Surprise, Ariz.

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On the Net:

FTC Bogus Drugs page:
http://www.ftc.gov/curious

[Associated Press; By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID]

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