College of Oncologists raises concerns over cancer ‘miracle drug’

Colombo, Oct. 11 (Daily Mirror) - The Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO) has raised serious concerns over a “cancer cure” said to have been developed by a research team from the University of Colombo, warning that the product lacks credible scientific evidence and could endanger vulnerable patients.

In a letter addressed to University of Colombo Vice Chancellor Prof. Indika Mahesh Karunathilake, SLCO President Dr. Sanath Wanigasooriya said the College was “deeply alarmed by the glaring lack of credible evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of this product.”

While acknowledging the importance of promoting locally driven cancer research, Dr. Wanigasooriya stressed that any medicine intended for patient use must meet rigorous scientific and regulatory standards, requirements that the team behind the alleged cure had failed to demonstrate.

He further noted that although the product is being marketed as a “nutraceutical,” the promotional content and tone are “highly misleading, exploiting the emotional vulnerabilities of cancer patients and their families.”

The SLCO also expressed concern that the sudden surge in publicity surrounding the product, coinciding with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, appeared to be an attempt to “capitalise on heightened cancer awareness generated by SLCO and other respected organisations.”

Highlighting the potential harm of such claims, Dr. Wanigasooriya said oncologists have witnessed firsthand how unverified cancer products can delay life-saving treatments, cause financial distress, and erode trust in scientifically proven therapies.

“While SLCO is actively pursuing all avenues to mitigate harm to patients, we call upon you, as the head of your institution, to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into this matter,” the letter stated.

The College urged the University of Colombo to publicly clarify its position and, if the concerns are substantiated, to disassociate itself from the product through both mainstream and social media.

The letter also called on the university to implement strict measures to prevent similar incidents and to safeguard research integrity in the future.

SLCO emphasised the urgency of the issue, warning that the promotion of unproven cancer treatments poses “a profound risk not only to patients but to society as a whole.”