[NittanyLion]

Should cost be part of medical decisions?

Sure. But, as I see it, the relevant question here is whether the cost/benefit decision should be made on behalf of all individuals by a small group of government bureaucrats.

[RFEngineer]

“Sure. But, as I see it, the relevant question here is whether the cost/benefit decision should be made on behalf of all individuals by a small group of government bureaucrats.”

Who pays, and is the cost relevant? That is really the question.

[usconservative]

But, as I see it, the relevant question here is whether the cost/benefit decision should be made on behalf of all individuals by a small group of government bureaucrats.

Hammer, meet Nail. It floors me to think that some so-called "conservatives" here on FR seemingly back Obama's DEATH PANELS in the name of "cost benefit" analysis or some goofy "actuarial" mumbo-jumbo.

Obama Death Panels by any other name are still Obama Death Panels.

[kenavi]

The FDA's decision is based on a 12 to 1 recommendation by an Advisory Committee of leading cancer doctors, not government bureaucrats. Here's who they are:

http://www.fda.gov/downloads/AdvisoryCommittees/CommitteesMeetingMaterials/Drugs/OncologicDrugsAdvisoryCommittee/UCM235075.pdf

Call 'em what you will, we need to have controls on what public funds are spent on.