Ohio Oncologist Sentenced to Probation for Importing Non-FDA Approved Cancer Drugs

Dr. David Fishman of Euclid, was one of 7 oncologists prosecuted for purchasing imported cancer medication from websites that claimed to be Canadian.

Dr. Fishman and his co-defendant Dr. Hassan Tahsildar had already pleaded guilty to charges related to illegally purchased non-FDA approved cancer medications, according to a report from the News Herald at the time of their sentencing. When they were first charged, along with 5 other oncologists in Ohio, it was reported that they purchased the misbranded cancer drugs from a Canadian supplier, according to the Canton Rep.

In August, the FDA first reported the indictments against Fishman and his co-defendants, stating “The doctors are accused of obtaining drugs, including Zometa, Kytril, Taxotere, Gemzar, Eloxatin and others, from outside the United States, where the drugs were not approved by the FDA, according to the charges.”

Still facing sentencing in the drugs importation case are doctors Ranjan Bhandari, 56, of Liverpool; Timmappa Bidari, 68, of Parma; Su-Chiao Kuo, 60, of Brunswick; Marwan Massouh, 54, of Westlake; and Poornanand Palaparty, 62, of Cleveland, reports the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

By S. Imber