FDA acts against 14 companies for illegal cancer treatments

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WPVI) -- The Food and Drug Administration has taken action against 14 companies for selling illegal cancer treatments.

The agency issued warning letters to a number of domestic companies illegally selling more than 65 products that they claim can prevent, diagnose, treat, mitigate or cure cancer.

The products did not have FDA approval, and most were sold on websites or on social media platforms.

The agency has asked the companies to provide written responses to address the violations covered in the warning letters.

Companies that fail to respond and make adequate corrections could be subject to further actions, including seizure, injunction, and criminal prosecution.

"Consumers should not use these or similar unproven products because they may be unsafe and could prevent a person from seeking an appropriate and potentially life-saving cancer diagnosis or treatment," said Douglas W. Stearn, director of the Office of Enforcement and Import Operations in the FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs.

The agency urged everyone to stay on alert to products being sold with FDA approval, or any proof they will work.

In the past 10 years, the FDA has issued more than 90 warning letters to companies selling illegal products.