A Test of Survival

By Marnie Schulenburg

Book Overview

A simple lab test that could customize chemotherapy to the patient and save lives. Surely such a breakthrough would be hustled into widespread use? Not in A Test of Survival, and not in the real-life story that inspired it.

Money is certainly at stake, as is status, power, loyalty to petrified ideas, and the fate of half a million people dying of cancer every year.

Dr. Gus Ephraim toils for decades at the fringes of cancer research, stubbornly awaiting validation of his tumor test. He risks his marriage and more when he sets up a new lab in the Midwest, too close to wife number one and to Dr. Lyman Deering, renowned leader in the cancer establishment.

As damage to his reputation, his livelihood, and his family piles up . Gus stops playing by the rules. Reluctantly, and prodded by an unlikely band of allies, he takes on the powers-that-be and their cash-register vision of cancer treatment in America.

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Ten percent of the royalties from this book will be donated to Gilda's Club, a network of meeting places for the support of cancer patients, their families and friends.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0595363113
• ISBN13: 9780595363117
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Vivid characters; real issues; deeply felt.

As in Schulenburg's previous novel, her characters are intense, conflicted, passionate and painfully real as they grapple with the science of cancer drug testing; the resistance of the medical profession; the power of the drug companies; the potential of ex-vivo testing. I can't think of anyone who has been touched by cancer, particularly breast cancer, who wouldn't want to read this. Jim O'Brien

Fantastic science thriller

This is a well researched science thriller that strikes close to home for anyone who has had experience with cancer. It raises deep and fundamental questions about the way we are approaching the treatment of this disease. It is a complex and wonderful work, rich in character development, and very difficult to put down. The underlying message, however, is deadly serious. This is a book well worth reading, and I highly recommend it.

A transfixing surprise

Some books just suck you into the story and don't let go. These wonderful, well developed characters felt like old friends - or enemies, by the end of this transfixing book. The story line moved forward and is compelling and topical. Not many books can keep me from going to sleep even when I'm exhausted. This one did it. My only regret was when it ended I missed it and wanted more. I hope Ms. Shulenburg has more where this one came from.