The second of three programmes on medical research. This week: Mysteries
In spite of millions of pounds spent every year on medical research, there are still distressing diseases, affecting millions of people, that medicine cannot cure. Schizophrenia, multiple sclerosis and most cancers are conditions where care rather than cure are all that doctors can offer.
Why isn't major progress being made in these areas? Is there a quicker way to find cures? In the United States$700 million has been spent by many thousands of scientists and clinicians this year as part of the National Cancer Programme, set up by President Nixon in 1971 as a successor to Project Apollo, to conquer cancer with the same single-mindedness that was used to put men on the moon. Tonight's programme looks at the chances of success and asks whether there are lessons to be learnt that will speed up cures of other diseases.
Film cameraman KEN MACMILLAN Film Editor CHRIS LYSAGHT Director CHRISTOPHER SYKES
Executive producer KARL SABBAGH