What changes are needed to the current direction and interpretation of clinical cancer research to meet the needs of the 21st century?

In reply: We support Gandhi’s contention about the value that can be added to clinical trials by performing correlative laboratory studies. The investigation of biomarkers as potential surrogate endpoints that may indicate efficacy, or lack thereof, earlier than the prolonged time sometimes required to reach a survival endpoint, is one such example. Such studies are often not funded by industry and the importance of funding these, which yield greater clinical benefit, should be recognised by government and non-government agencies.