Four sisters claim mother’s pregnancy drug caused cancer
The case involves a synthetic oestrogen known as DES, diethylstilbestrol, prescribed to millions of pregnant women between the late 1930s and early 1970s to prevent miscarriages, premature births and other problems. Studies later showed it did not prevent miscarriages.
The Melnick sisters, who grew up in Tresckow, Pennsylvania, say they all developed breast cancer in their 40s after their mother took DES while pregnant.
They say their mother did not take DES while pregnant with a fifth sister, and that sister has not developed breast cancer.
The sisters’ case against Eli Lilly and Co is the first to go to trial out of scores of similar claims around the country. A total of 51 women have DES lawsuits pending in Boston against more than a dozen drug companies that made or marketed DES.
The drug companies argue that no firm link has been established between breast cancer and DES. It was eventually taken off the market after it was linked to a rare vaginal cancer in women whose mothers used DES.
Eli Lilly argues in court documents that there is no evidence that the Melnick sisters’ mother even took DES. She and her doctor are dead, and the drug company says there are no medical records documenting her treatment.
Eli Lilly believes the claims are without merit.
