I mentioned in a recent blog post the existence (classification) of orphan cancers. To refresh our memories (I mean it was just a couple of weeks ago, but I often can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday) there are certain types of cancer known as "orphan cancers" - defined by the National Cancer Institute as one which affects less than 200,000 people in the United States. Why is so much research money spent on orphan cancers? It's a very expensive process of discovery, for very few people.
I once did an interview with Astronaut Buzz Aldrin. We asked if all the money spent on the space program was worth it. After his surface anger subsided (retired, he was still in the throes of pre-treated depression and alcoholism at the time; so his response could have been understandable), he rattled off a number of developments that NASA was responsible for that are a part of our everyday life (in whole or in part, and in no order of importance): camera phones, LEDs, scratch resistant glass, CAT scans, landmine removal, foil blankets, Nike AIR brand shoes, water purification systems, dust busters, precision GPS, ear thermometers, home insulation, Jaws of Life, wireless headphones, memory foam, adjustable smoke detectors, UV-blocking sunglasses, baby formula enrichment, Super Soakers, freeze dried food, artificial limbs, computer mouse, and laptops - to name just a few!
Similarly, for orphan drugs, the research work for these rare afflictions is not only humanitarianly appropriate, but also the development of these therapies often contribute to medical advancements for other types of cancers that affect so many more people nationally and world-wide. You've no doubt seen a variety of advertising over the past few years for Keytruda. That one drug alone has 40 FDA-approved indications (uses) across 18 different types of cancer. All from the initial research for that one drug, and further, ongoing experimentation pairing it with others.
Keep in mind that there are 10 basic "Hallmarks" of cancer (The Hallmarks of Cancer are a set of key biological capabilities that enable the disease to grow unchecked and kill healthy cells; ten core "triggers" or causes). So, anything that can be gleaned from the advancements of one orphan cancer treatment can very often be used for the treatment of a variety of others. Just ask Merck - the makers of Keytruda. Research of all kinds is worth the effort/investment - for what we gain from its successes as much as its failures.
