Skid Row Cancer Study

Skid Row Cancer Study

The Skid Row Cancer Study refers to a series of controversial medical experiments conducted in the 1960s and 1970s on the homeless population of Los Angeles's Skid Row. These studies primarily focused on the effects of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, on individuals who were often not fully informed about the nature of the experiments or their potential risks. The Skid Row Cancer Study has since become a significant case study in discussions of medical ethics, informed consent, and the exploitation of vulnerable populations in medical research.

Background

During the mid-20th century, Skid Row in Los Angeles was known for its high population of homeless and indigent individuals. Researchers from nearby medical institutions saw this population as a convenient sample for clinical trials, particularly for diseases like cancer, which required long-term treatment and observation. The Skid Row Cancer Study was initiated under the guise of offering free medical care to participants, many of whom had limited access to healthcare services.

Study Details

The specifics of the Skid Row Cancer Study involved administering chemotherapy and radiation treatments to participants without their comprehensive understanding or informed consent. Many of the subjects were led to believe they were receiving treatment for their existing health conditions, not understanding they were part of a clinical trial. The ethical implications of this lack of informed consent have been widely criticized in subsequent years.

Ethical Concerns

The Skid Row Cancer Study has been cited as a significant violation of ethical standards in medical research. The primary concerns include:

• Lack of Informed Consent: Many participants were not fully informed about the nature of the study or the potential risks involved in the treatments they received.
• Exploitation: The study targeted a vulnerable population that was less likely to question the medical care they were receiving, effectively exploiting their socioeconomic status for research purposes.
• Risk vs. Benefit: The treatments administered were experimental and carried significant risks, which were not adequately communicated to the participants.

Aftermath and Impact

The revelation of the Skid Row Cancer Study and similar experiments led to significant changes in how medical research is conducted, particularly regarding informed consent and the protection of vulnerable populations. The National Research Act of 1974 and the establishment of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) were direct outcomes of the public outcry over such unethical research practices.

See Also

• Tuskegee Syphilis Study
• Henrietta Lacks
• Medical Ethics
• Informed Consent