Of course, this is complete nonsense.
Theirs is a specious and unimpressive argument. Of course growth factors are involved in cancer, because cells are involved in cancer. There are millions of other chemicals involved as well. Every essential human nutrient is involved. it would be like saying protein increases cancer risk because tumors use protein to build cells. Or vitamin A, B, C, D, E, and/or any other biochemical you might imagine. All are necessary for cancer growth. But necessary, or even helpful, does not equal causation.
The authors of this complaint injudiciously misapprehend the science of growth factors (GF’s). “They have the ability to initiate mitosis” sounds scary, but mitosis is simply about tissues maintaining themselves by replacing old or dead cells with new ones through cell division. That’s not cancer, it is the very basis of life for multicellular organisms. The statement the growth factors increase the risk of cancer is simply unsupported by the knowledge base in cell biology. Cancer cells may be opportunistic and may utilize growth factors, just as they utilize nutrients and anything else they need to accomplish their agenda. GF’s are not carcinogenic, by any standard definition. These people have their cell biochemistry wrong. They need to talk to someone who understands the science.
All-in-all this complaint demonstrates all the characteristics of a shakedown suit. No injuries, and nothing upon which to even speculate injury. In this type of class action, the only financial beneficiaries are the attorneys, not the plaintiffs in fact. The persons in the class may receive a few pennies. The firm representing the class in this case appears to be such a firm.
Purported science that is not science at all, and is easily refuted by anyone with actual knowledge of the science.
The FDA recently stated in a letter that if it “were inclined to revoke, amend, or add to this policy,” it would do so through formal administrative processes rather than private litigation." I believe them.
