Werner Bezwoda

In 1995, Bezwoda published a randomised trial reporting a major benefit from high-dose chemotherapy. A subsequent audit located only 61 records for the 90 reported patients; only 27 were sufficiently documented to verify eligibility, and 18 of those 27 did not meet the published criteria.

Attribution

Directly implicated

Following the invalidation of Bezwoda's research and publication of other negative trials, ASCO warned that women should receive this type of high-dose chemotherapy only in high-quality clinical trials. The fraudulent studies had been among the few favourable randomised sources supporting the strategy.

State of the evidence

Documented

At ASCO 1999, Bezwoda presented a high-dose chemotherapy trial in high-risk patients that was the only major trial presented to show a clear survival advantage. An international team visited the site before beginning a confirmatory study.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated

Auditors found neither signed consent forms nor evidence of research committee approval for the reported trial. Bezwoda subsequently admitted scientific misconduct concerning the presentation of the control group's treatment.

State of the evidence

Admitted by the person

Attribution

Directly implicated

The University of the Witwatersrand dismissed Bezwoda following a disciplinary hearing that found misrepresentation of results and absence of required ethical approval. The university apologised to patients; the press reported that more than one hundred disadvantaged Black women had been included without formal consent.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

During the crisis, a further allegation emerged that Bezwoda had forged and backdated a pharmacy and therapeutics committee letter to create the appearance of approval for his trial. The provincial government's disciplinary proceedings ultimately did not take place after administrative delays.

State of the evidence

Alleged

Attribution

Accused