LAUSR

Due to financial constraints and an evolving health care system, fewer surgeons are pursuing careers that include basic science and translational research. At the same time, however, surgical oncologists are assuming a more important role as members of multidisciplinary teams. Our report underscores the emerging role of academic surgical oncologists in the design and implementation of pharmaceutical trials. With this paradigm shift, surgeons are more exposed to potential conflicts of interest, bias, unreported disclosures, and changes in daily clinical practice. This is particularly relevant based on recent reports of undisclosed conflicts of interests in publications, as well as bias in industry sponsored trials. Recently, a prominent medical oncologist resigned from a leadership position at a major cancer center because of failure to disclose financial relationships with pharmaceutical companies.