This is a "made for TV" movie and it looks like it for the most part. It doesn't have the same production values as the big Hollywood movies. But that doesn't detract at all from the inspiring story it tells. I was able to see it on DVD.
Harry Connick Jr. is Denny Slamon, UCLA physician and researcher. The movie begins in the 1980s and continues for about 10 years. During this time he is working to develop a drug that will stop the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells present in roughly 25 to 30% of breast cancer cases. This would work differently from the harsh drugs of chemotherapy and result in none of the undesirable side effects.
To progress beyond lab research with mice cells and into clinical trials required the drug company Genentec to sponsor his work for eventual FDA approval. They were reluctant because cancer research was view with great skepticism, and their business interests seemed to outweigh their interest in developing a new treatment which could save many thousands of lives a year.
The movie has an all-star cast, and Connick Jr is outstanding in the lead role. A fine story with a happy ending.
Harry Connick Jr. is Denny Slamon, UCLA physician and researcher. The movie begins in the 1980s and continues for about 10 years. During this time he is working to develop a drug that will stop the growth of certain types of breast cancer cells present in roughly 25 to 30% of breast cancer cases. This would work differently from the harsh drugs of chemotherapy and result in none of the undesirable side effects.
To progress beyond lab research with mice cells and into clinical trials required the drug company Genentec to sponsor his work for eventual FDA approval. They were reluctant because cancer research was view with great skepticism, and their business interests seemed to outweigh their interest in developing a new treatment which could save many thousands of lives a year.
The movie has an all-star cast, and Connick Jr is outstanding in the lead role. A fine story with a happy ending.