Transparent medical journal with financial threads intertwined with DNA strands, symbolizing undisclosed conflicts of interest in medical research.

Unveiling Conflicts of Interest in Medical Research: Why Transparency Matters

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Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A recent case highlights the critical need for accurate financial disclosure in medical publications, ensuring trust and reliability in healthcare advancements."


In the realm of medical research, transparency isn't just a buzzword; it's the bedrock upon which trust and progress are built. When researchers fail to disclose potential conflicts of interest, the integrity of their findings—and the treatments that stem from them—can be called into question. A recent incident involving a paper published in the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery journal serves as a stark reminder of why these disclosures matter.

The issue came to light when Dr. José Baselga, a prominent figure in the field of oncology, acknowledged a failure to report potential conflicts of interest in several articles he had published. This admission underscores the complexities and potential pitfalls of maintaining objectivity when financial ties to pharmaceutical companies and other entities are involved.

This article aims to delve into the specifics of this case, exploring the implications of undisclosed conflicts of interest and highlighting the measures necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in medical research. By understanding these issues, healthcare professionals, patients, and the public can better navigate the ever-evolving landscape of medical advancements.

The Failure to Disclose: A Closer Look

Transparent medical journal with financial threads intertwined with DNA strands, symbolizing undisclosed conflicts of interest in medical research.

The original issue stemmed from a paper published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, as well as related articles in the JAMA Network journals between 2015 and 2018. The article in question, "Cetuximab and Radiotherapy in Laryngeal Preservation for Cancers of the Larynx and Hypopharynx: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial," initially reported no conflicts of interest. However, this was later found to be inaccurate.

Dr. Baselga took responsibility for the oversight, acknowledging that he had been involved in various financial activities that should have been disclosed. These activities, spanning from 2013 to the present, involved relationships with several pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The details of these relationships are extensive and varied, highlighting the intricate web of potential conflicts that can exist in medical research.

  • Roche/Genentech: Nonfinancial support and reimbursement for travel.
  • Aura Biosciences: Serving on the board of directors (2013-2017); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Infinity Pharmaceuticals: Serving on the board of directors (2013-2017); Fees and stock ownership.
  • PMV Pharma Biotechnologies: Serving on the scientific advisory board (2014-present); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Juno Therapeutics (acquired by Celgene): Serving on the scientific advisory board (2014-2017); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Grail: Serving as a member or chair of the scientific advisory board (2016-2018); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Varian Medical Systems: Serving on the board of directors (2017-2018); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb: Serving on the board of directors (March to September 2018); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Seragon (acquired by Roche): Serving on the scientific advisory board (2013-2014); Fees and stock ownership.
  • ApoGen Biotechnologies: Stock ownership; Serving on the scientific advisory board (2014-present).
  • Foghorn Therapeutics: Serving on the board (2017-present); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Tango (formerly Synthetic Lethal): Cofounder, receiving fees from, and stock ownership (2016-present).
  • Northern Biologics (formerly Mosaic Biomedicals): Serving on the scientific advisory board (2013-present); Fees and stock ownership.
  • Novartis and Eli Lilly: Receiving consulting and travel fees.
  • Venthera: Cofounder.
  • Serving as investigator on a patent licensed to Memorial Sloan Kettering for use of phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitors.
  • Serving as investigator for patents pending assignment to Memorial Sloan Kettering for combination therapy using PDK1 and PI3K inhibitors.
The extensive nature of these relationships underscores the potential for conflicts of interest to influence research outcomes, even unintentionally. While it is not inherently wrong for researchers to have financial ties to industry, transparency is crucial to ensure that these relationships do not compromise the integrity of their work.

Correcting the Record and Moving Forward

In response to the failure to disclose, Dr. Baselga requested that the original article be corrected online to include a complete disclosure statement. This step is essential for rectifying the record and ensuring that readers have access to accurate information. Additionally, the JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery journal published a letter detailing the missing conflict of interest disclosures and providing a link to the corrected article. Such measures are vital for maintaining trust in the scientific community and promoting responsible research practices.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

1

What are conflicts of interest in medical research, and why is financial disclosure so important?

In medical research, a conflict of interest arises when a researcher's personal interests (such as financial ties to pharmaceutical companies) could potentially influence the objectivity and integrity of their research findings. Transparency through financial disclosure is essential so that the data isn't potentially compromised or biased. The failure to disclose such interests can erode trust in medical research and potentially mislead healthcare professionals and patients relying on those findings.

2

Why is transparency so important in medical research?

Transparency in medical research is crucial because it ensures that the findings are trustworthy and unbiased. When conflicts of interest are disclosed, readers can critically evaluate the research and assess whether the financial ties might have influenced the results. Without transparency, the integrity of the research is compromised, which can lead to flawed conclusions and potentially harmful treatments or recommendations. The disclosure of financial activities ensures credibility.

3

What are the potential implications of failing to disclose conflicts of interest in medical research?

The failure to disclose conflicts of interest can have significant implications. It can lead to a loss of trust in medical research, potentially causing patients and healthcare professionals to question the validity of treatment recommendations. It can also damage the reputation of researchers and institutions involved, and undermine the credibility of scientific journals. In the specific instance cited, the primary issue involved a failure to report conflicts of interest in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery.

4

What steps can be taken to correct the record after a failure to disclose conflicts of interest is identified?

In response to a failure to disclose conflicts of interest, several steps can be taken. First, the researcher should request that the original article be corrected with a complete disclosure statement. Second, the journal should publish a notification detailing the missing conflict of interest disclosures and providing a link to the corrected article. These measures are vital for rectifying the record, ensuring transparency, and maintaining trust in the scientific community.

5

What was the role of Dr. José Baselga in the conflict of interest case, and what specific financial relationships were not disclosed?

Dr. José Baselga failed to report potential conflicts of interest in several articles published in JAMA Network journals. These conflicts stemmed from his involvement in various financial activities, including serving on the board of directors or scientific advisory boards of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies like Roche/Genentech, Aura Biosciences, Infinity Pharmaceuticals, and others. These relationships involved fees, stock ownership, and nonfinancial support, all of which should have been disclosed to ensure transparency and allow readers to assess potential biases.

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