Confronting medical grifting: Fraudulent and unproven products and interventions in apheresis, transfusion and biotherapies.

Abstract

Medical scams or grifting has long been a societal issue, though in recent years, the problem has become increasingly mainstream, especially as it relates to transfusion medicine, apheresis and biotherapies. Unfortunately, unsubstantiated medical claims, or unfounded interventions such as therapeutic plasma exchange for longevity or dangerous stem cell injections, are leading to significant medical waste and patient harm. Herein, we review contemporary medical grifts, cognitive biases and present a framework for managing these issues to ensure legitimate care and safety for patients.