Dear Editor,
The Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) and the Hope Foundation agree with the commentary that the perception of self-interest overshadowing the welfare of patients has no place in clinical trials. As the new Chair of SWOG, I reconfirm our commitment to making the well being of patients and advancement of medical science paramount, and, as such, have reviewed and modified our policies. Although Dr. Steinberg accurately concludes that this situation is not an example of “scandalous unethical behavior,” nonetheless, steps have been taken to prevent actions that could lead to public misperceptions concerning the motivation of SWOG clinical researchers. Perceptions do matter and the potential damage to the patient/clinical investigator relationship is not worth a single additional accrual to this trial.