Sometimes, fact is far stranger than fiction. The rise and fall of ImClone is a dramatic example, starting with the story of its co-founders, Sam and Harlan Waksal; the "breakthrough" cancer drug Erbitux developed by Dr. John Mendelsohn; the thousands of desperate cancer patients waiting to use this experimental drug; and the insider trading scandal that ultimately brought down Sam Waksal (and for which Martha Stewart is going to trial). Journalist Prud'homme has written a fast-paced, absorbing, and dramatic account that not only explores the events leading up to the scandal but also the story of ImClone and the development of Erbitux, plus stories of the scandal's true victims-cancer patients such as Shannon Kellum, who were granted at least temporary reprieves from the ravages of cancer. Prud'homme has done extensive research and interviewed key players in the saga, as well as cancer patients. An important, excellent book that makes for fascinating reading, this is highly recommended to public and academic libraries.

— Lucy Heckman, St. John's Univ. Lib., Jamaica, NY
Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.