Experimental cancer treatments can be tantalizing. Here’s how to assess them : Shots

Experimental therapies for cancer can be tempting when you’re sick, but many fail to offer any benefit.

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Note: Molecular biologist and author Jeff Stewart has worked more than 15 years as a consultant to drugmakers, scrutinizing data on new treatments to fight cancer. Last July, the 50-year-old father of seven was diagnosed with stomach cancer himself. He spent much of the next 10 months in treatment, while also writing the newly published Living: Inspiration from a Father with Cancer.

His book is a compilation of life lessons and reflections that “helped me endure hard times and avoid harder ones,” he says. Framed as a life guide for his kids, it also includes insider advice for anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. The following excerpts have been edited for length and clarity. –Editors

As a cancer patient, I’m getting forwarded many, many articles about early stage cancer treatments and alternative therapies. I think every cancer patient gets these. I’m public about my cancer, so I’m getting these from more than friends and family. I’m getting these also from people I’ve never met but who are trying to help.

Cancer treatments are not just a personal interest. Part of my job for over 15 years has been to advise pharma companies on cancer drugs. My clients have included big pharma and small biotechs. You’d know the big-pharma names. I’ve interviewed hundreds of oncologists over the years. Figuring out the scientific and commercial potential of a cancer drug is a normal day on the job for me.

How to assess experimental treatments? Follow the evidence

Basic rule of cancer treatments:…