Animal Studies and Medical Advances

It is gratifying to see your recognition that medical progress in finding cures for diseases such as cancer still depends on the use of animal models such as mice and guinea pigs (“Cancer Prevention Payoff,” editorial, Nov. 17).

In this century, 63 of 95 Nobel Prize winners in medicine and physiology have relied on data from animal studies, and because animal models have been used in biomedical research, many of us will live into old age with the benefits of such medical advances as balloon angioplasty, heart bypasses, hip replacements, better nutrition, and with continuing research, cures for cancer and cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and many other ailments.

Alternatives, including computers, cell and tissue cultures and the use of rodents instead of larger animals, will continue to grow. But before new pharmaceuticals and devices can used in people, animal research leads us to remedies which are both safe and effective. To date, there remains no reliable substitute for animal models in biomedical research.

Yes, there are several fronts to fight cancer, but let us recognize the scientists who work tirelessly to improve our health, and let us appreciate the laboratory animals upon which medical progress depends.

ROMAN J. BOWSER

Chairman, California Biomedical

Research Assn., Los Angeles