Wikipedia Hates Homeopathy / Newsweek...

[Roger]

I disagree that we shouldnt have our own studies but I do
agree that we should be active in pointing out their flawed science.
I posted this letter to the editor in newsweek and online:
Before Adler makes his resolution to "not report … new treatments … unless … tested in large, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trials published in high quality peer-reviewed medical journals" he would do well to read Dr Coulter on The Controlled Clinical Trial. The CCT is supposed to be the "gold standard" but its misplaced faith, not only due to a corrupted process but by the very nature of the CCT.
Choose a population that is homogeneous (similar) then it says little about individuals who are not similar (e.g. women and children, left out of most studies or those sicker or healthier or having different symptoms or health histories than the study population). Choose a population that is very heterogeneous then it is difficult to get consistent results. So the drug companies do their studies on narrowly defined groups picking only doctors who have given them good results in the past.
So you can see how the Vioxx fiasco occurred and with billions at stake these disasters will continue to happen.
Alternative medical practices are usually more individualized which requires more time, effort and expense than just giving everyone the same drug and aren’t bankrolled by pharmaceutical giants. Thus the studies tend to be much smaller.
Sat Dec 8, 2007 3:37 pm (PST):

Roger Barr

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[Dale Moss]

Roger,
I think you misunderstood what I wrote. Of course homeopathy should have its own studies -- and it does. But I don't think we will ever be able to produce a study that will silence the quackbusters. These are not people capable of rational persuasion; they're bullies, like just about every right-wing talk show host.
Peace,
Dale