Subject: IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM CRAIG THOMPSON AND KATHRYN MARTIN

Dear MSK Colleagues,
This morning’s print edition of The New York Times carries a front-page story regarding an
analysis of voluntary disclosures made by Dr. Jose Baselga to journals and at professional
meetings. The matter of disclosure is serious.
MSK has robust programs in place to ensure the quality, safety and excellence of MSK’s patient
care and research. These programs govern how our staff should work with outside
organizations, including the pharmaceutical industry. They apply to all members of the MSK
community.
We have asked Dr. Baselga to review his disclosures and work with the various medical
societies and journal editors to correct the record of appropriate papers and presentations as
the journals and societies see fit. He started that process and has already been in
communication with several organizations.
The issues surrounding author disclosures are complex, as there are nebulous guidelines about
when and how to make voluntary disclosures. We also believe in supporting academic freedom
and the ability of individual researchers to engage in the scientific process, including publication
of results. This extends to the judgement exercised by individual researchers and their
responsibilities as authors with regard to disclosure.
MSK and our faculty need to do a better job. In addition, we need to work with journal
publishers and professional societies to standardize the reporting process. We have had
ongoing discussions with the American Society for Clinical Oncology about their model, as well
as the value of a common standard for oncology disclosures in journals and presentations. We
are supportive of ASCO’s efforts in this area and the leadership demonstrated by that
organization. The issue of disclosure extends well beyond the world of oncology and MSK will
also look to the efforts of other organizations, including the Association of American Medical
Colleges.
Our work with industry partners is integral to MSK’s charitable mission of providing high quality
cancer care, leading research, and medical education with the goal of improving cancer
treatment. Collaboration with industry leaders, from early stage startups to large corporations,
is necessary to focus on bringing better treatments to patients.
MSK will continue to promote transparency and accountability. And we encourage industry
collaboration, as it is a driving force that has led to the approval of novel, life-saving cancer
treatments for countless patients across the globe.
Regards,

 Craig Thompson
President and CEO

Martin
Chief Operating Officer