THE oncologist accused of underdosing more than 100 cancer patients – including those in Orange and Bathurst - has stood by his treatment decisions, a parliamentary inquiry heard on Tuesday.
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NSW ministers grilled senior medical oncologist Dr John Grygiel on Tuesday over his off-protocol chemotherapy dosing for more than 100 patients with head and neck cancer.
NSW Labor health spokesman Walt Secord asked Dr Grygiel if he stood by his treatment of cancer patients in Orange and Bathurst “where you were their only source – the fly-in and fly-out doctor – between 1989 and 2012?”
“I do,” Dr Grygiel replied.
Dr Grygiel said there was no evidence that the guideline dose would have led to better outcomes for his patients than the lower dose he administered.
“Indeed, in many cases, I believe it would have led to a negative impact as it would have discouraged patients from continuing treatment,” he told the hearing.
“I have devoted my entire career to the ethical treatment of cancer patients ... I very much regret the distress my patients have suffered as a result of the publicity surrounding these inquiries.”
Mr Secord accused Dr Grygiel of carrying out clinical trials on cancer sufferers by treatment guidelines.
Greens Health spokesperson Jeremy Buckingham, whose mother-in-law's cancer treatment was overseen by Dr Grygiel, challenged Dr Grygiel as to whether he had ever asked her: “Do you want to die with your hair?”
Dr Grygiel denied both accusations, telling the inquiry that he discussed several treatment options with all his patients.
“I have always been open and honest in my discussion with my patients, families and my colleagues,” Dr Grygiel said.
