Is the cure for cancer being hidden from us?

A sunrise at the University of Cape Town, South Africa

Out of all the responses I receive when explaining that I do cancer research, this is by far the most frequent: Do you think they already have a cure for cancer, but are keeping it from us for financial gain? My initial reaction to this question is always defensive, because if the cure for cancer already exists, then I am not only misinformed, but wasting my time doing futile research. My next reaction is more empathetic. The word "cancer" strikes fear into the hearts of everyone. Like my supervisor always said, cancer is a landmine inside the body – the cells that kill you are part of you, indistinguishable from the rest, and they can detonate at any time. Coupled with the general public mistrust in the capitalistic Big Pharma, it is almost plausible that the cure for cancer is being withheld by the ethereal “they” who control the world.

Being the optimistic scientist that I am, armed with a sense of goodwill towards humanity, I would like to present my arguments against this theory, starting with the complexity of cancer. As many of you probably know, DNA is a code consisting of nucleic acids abbreviated as A, T, C, and G, that stores information for all the functionality needed to make an organism. DNA is transcribed into messenger RNA, which is then translated into the proteins that perform the functions essential for life. Each cell possesses a copy of the entire DNA set, and when cells divide and multiply, the DNA is replicated so that each cell retains a copy. This DNA replication process can be erroneous, and if mistakes (or mutations) are not fixed, they form dysfunctional proteins that can cause cancer. When the mutation theory of cancer was discovered, we thought a cure was imminent. But alas, we soon realised that mutations are only part of the story. The truth is, there are several highly complex and interdependent processes that regulate life that we just don’t yet understand.

For example, consider that different cell types require only the specific functionalities associated with their role in the body. To make sure that only specific proteins are created from the DNA template, and to save space inside the cell, the DNA is meticulously folded so that only the necessary codes are open and translatable. Inappropriate DNA folding and subsequent protein production can lead to cancer, in addition to mutated DNA.

Thankfully, the immune system, a fascinating collection of cells, tissues, and organs, is designed to detect and eliminate cells carrying DNA mutations or those with inappropriate functions. However, in cancerous settings, the immune system fails to detect cancerous cells, making cancer a disease resulting from a failed immune response.

These are but a few facets of the intricate and complicated life-forming systems that when dysregulated, can cause cancer. As researchers discover new aspects of the human body’s inner workings, so too do they realise how little we actually know. Another challenge is that research groups usually tackle a single aspect of cancer, while considering the entire system is the most likely pathway to a cure. Hopefully we will soon develop the technologies necessary to study the human system as a whole – a fitting task for AI perhaps, but that’s a topic for another day!

Another argument against the theory that the cure for cancer exists, is historical precedent. All diseases are profitable for those that sell the treatment, and yet thousands of cures have been discovered, sold, and administered over the years. Consider measles, polio, malaria, pneumonia, or leprosy. Why would someone not seek to profit from withholding the cures for these diseases as well? Perhaps the reason is that the economic consequence of disease is too great to withhold a cure. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems, economies, and individuals, which drives the urgency for effective cures.

Considering the collaborative and open-access environment in which cancer research takes place, it’s very difficult to imagine that if a cure exists, it wouldn’t have leaked somehow. The slogan of Google Scholar is not “Stand on the shoulders of giants” for nothing! Everything scientists do, everything they discover, is built upon the backs of those who came before. Even if someone discovered the cure for cancer, it is very implausible that another unrelated individual would not have read the same papers, followed a similar line of thinking, and then arrived at the same conclusion, only to take the credit. In fact, scientists are typically eager to receive credit for their work, and we are all constantly plagued by the pressure to publish, to generate novel discoveries. Additionally, scientists are passionate about their work. I personally don’t think that if a major breakthrough was made, they’d be able to keep quiet about it!

There are many people in this world who would pay any amount of money to save those they love. I would wager that the majority of people would do so. Taking a more pessimistic stance, the cure for cancer would be incredibly profitable. And for those who can’t afford it, the alternative and leaves-something-to-be-desired treatment would still be available. Essentially, Big Pharma would not be cutting their own throats by providing a cure for cancer, but rather creating a whole other niche in the market for the wealthier consumers.

Now, I firmly believe that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege reserved solely for the prosperous. In fact, my passion for people and my desire to make a meaningful contribution to society is why I became a scientist in the first place. I think that’s why most scientists became scientists. Sure, the investors at the top of the food chain are probably more business-inclined and may have drifted into the pharmaceutical industry for more nefarious purposes, but those doing the grunt-work are most likely doing it because they want to make a difference in this world. I would like to believe that if a scientist in some pharmaceutical company made such a huge discovery, they’d share it with the world for the betterment thereof. But that’s just me. Maybe I’m quixotic.