Burzynski

A rather needlessly informercial-esque tone pervades this medical-advocacy documentary about Polish-born, Houston-based Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, who came to the U.S. in 1970, and has promoted an alternative, non-toxic cancer treatment with his "antineoplaston" medications—reputedly achieving remission in the most aggressive and hopeless of cases. But throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Texas Medical Board—under pressure from the FDA—sought to revoke Burzynski's license and reportedly ignored his successful clinical trials, as well as an alleged attempt by the mainstream pharmaceutical industry to steal one of Burzynski's formulas. We hear a by-now-familiar refrain that none of Burzynski's detractors or opponents agreed to appear, leaving this documentary absolutely one-sided. Various supporters and Burzysnki patients who also fled political repression say that no foreign dictatorship in their experience treated doctors the way the American Medical Association persecutes Burzynski. Regardless of where the truth lies, the cozy, old-boys-network relationship depicted here between orthodox medicine and giant, greedy corporations does come across as a serious malignancy within the medical profession. A bonus disc features even more patient testimony, Burzynski biographical details, and FDA-bashing. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (C. Cassady)