NCI-cing on the cake.

A large population-based econometric study is garnering lots of attention this week. This JAMA pub re-analyzed 23 SWOG trials conducted from 1965-2012 and applied their findings to time-correlated SEER databases in order to estimate the impact of NCI-sponsored clinical trials on the general population. Authors conclude >2 million life-years saved. And the cost of each of those life years? A mere $125. Data like this help to buttress support in defense against the recently-proposed budget cuts of 1.2 billion dollars from this fiscals year's NIH research funding. Which in other terms could cost us 9.6 million life years...do the math.