Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards - Part One: Laetrile: The Fake Cancer Cure That Birthed The Right-Wing Medical Grifting Industry

Introduction and Context

In the premiere episode of Behind the Bastards titled "Laetrile: The Fake Cancer Cure That Birthed The Right-Wing Medical Grifting Industry," hosts Robert Evans and Miles Gray delve into the dark history of Laetrile—a purported cancer cure that not only failed to deliver but also played a pivotal role in the emergence of right-wing anti-medicine movements. Released on July 22, 2025, this episode uncovers the convoluted journey of Laetrile from its inception to its lasting impact on modern medical skepticism.

Origins of Laetrile

The episode begins with a historical overview of Laetrile, a compound derived from amygdalin, which was isolated by French scientists in 1832. Robert Evans explains, “Amygdalin is a naturally occurring compound that you find in the seeds of many plants that we eat, including apples, peaches, cherries, and of course, the humble apricot” (09:10). Initially considered for its potential medicinal properties, amygdalin’s toxic nature due to its cyanide precursor posed significant challenges.

As medical science grappled with understanding cancer, early treatments were rudimentary, often involving the physical removal of tumors. Evans notes, “Another thing that just happens is Americans being like, you know, all this medicine we've got that like works sometimes. What if we used medicine that doesn't ever work except for when it kills your children?” (02:02), highlighting the dangerous intersection of desperation and pseudoscience.

Role of Dr. Ernst T. Krebs Sr. and Jr.

Central to Laetrile’s story are Dr. Ernst T. Krebs Sr. and his son, Ernst T. Krebs Jr. Krebs Sr., an actual medical doctor from the early 20th century, became disillusioned with conventional treatments during the influenza pandemic. As Evans explains, “This is not a real right. What it actually is is a way to cover the people who want to sell fake cures and treatments by getting the people they're poisoning to become activists for them” (07:20).

Krebs Sr. began experimenting with amygdalin, eventually creating a syrup named Laetrile, marketed as a miracle cure for various ailments, including influenza and cancer. Despite initial promising results in animal tests—albeit with significant toxicity—Laetrile failed to demonstrate consistent efficacy, leading to widespread skepticism.

His son, Krebs Jr., despite lacking formal medical credentials, continued his father’s legacy. After being dismissed from multiple institutions due to his unorthodox beliefs, Krebs Jr. secured an honorary doctorate from an unaccredited Bible college, further legitimizing Laetrile within certain circles (59:53).

Marketing and Spread of Laetrile

Laetrile’s propagation was aided by strategic marketing and endorsements from pseudo-medical practitioners. Early adopters, including Glen Kittler and Arthur Harris, leveraged their platforms to promote Laetrile as a viable cancer treatment. Evans humorously captures the absurdity of their claims: “Now, Dr. Krebs Sr. lied frequently about having records and notes from his experiments that he didn't have” (32:03).

The Krebs family exploited loopholes in drug regulations, marketing Laetrile as an investigational drug and circumventing stringent FDA approvals. This tactic allowed Laetrile to be distributed through legitimate medical practices under the guise of ongoing research, thereby gaining credibility and attracting desperate patients seeking hope.

Opposition and Regulatory Actions

Despite its popularity, Laetrile faced significant opposition from the medical community and regulatory bodies. The Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906 empowered authorities to seize and destroy unregulated medicines. However, due to its strategic marketing and association with legitimate doctors, Laetrile evaded severe repercussions for a considerable time.

By the late 1950s, regulatory scrutiny intensified. The California Medical Association’s Cancer Commission demanded evidence of Laetrile’s efficacy, only to find inconsistencies and lack of verifiable data. “The commission was able to obtain a small supply of Laetrile for animal tests at three medical centers, all of which produced negative results” (76:38), underscoring the compound’s ineffectiveness.

Connection to Right-Wing Medical Grifting

Laetrile’s failure and the subsequent backlash inadvertently fueled right-wing anti-medicine sentiments. Evans draws parallels between the Krebs-inspired medical grifting and contemporary movements, noting how early quack cures set the stage for distrust in established medical institutions. “This is how the far right got in bed with quack medicine” (04:22), Evans asserts, highlighting the enduring legacy of Laetrile in fostering skepticism towards conventional healthcare.

Moreover, the involvement of figures like R.L. McNaughton—a wealthy Canadian benefactor with dubious motives—illustrates the entanglement of fraud with political and financial interests. McNaughton’s dual allegiance to both Israeli and Cuban factions exemplifies the murky alliances that perpetuate medical grifting (78:44).

Conclusion and Legacy

The episode concludes by reflecting on Laetrile’s lasting impact. While the Krebs family never achieved genuine scientific breakthroughs, their efforts laid the groundwork for future medical scams and the persistent allure of “miracle cures.” Evans and Gray emphasize the importance of scientific rigor and regulatory oversight in preventing such deceptive practices.

A notable quote from Robert Evans encapsulates the episode’s core message: “Anyone can cure any disease and make money off of it” (83:03), serving as a cautionary tale against the blending of desperation, pseudoscience, and profit-driven motives in medicine.

Notable Quotes

• Robert Evans (02:02): "There's really one right that you have as an American that has not in any way been impeded by the rush of the current regime. And that is the right to put whatever you want in your body as long as it will poison you and someone tells you it's a cure for cancer."

• Miles Gray (04:22): "So we're walking up to the actual crossroads where we started down the road of completely fucking ourselves over."

• Robert Evans (32:03): "Dr. Krebs Sr. lied frequently about having records and notes from his experiments that he didn't have."

• Robert Evans (83:03): "Anyone can cure any disease and make money off of it. As long as you don't really there's not even any. As long as just do it."

Final Thoughts

Behind the Bastards meticulously unravels the tangled web of Laetrile’s history, exposing the blend of desperation, flawed science, and opportunistic marketing that fueled one of the most notorious medical scams. By providing both historical context and critical analysis, the episode serves as a compelling examination of how fake cures can influence and shape societal attitudes towards medicine and authority.

For listeners interested in the intersection of history, medicine, and the machinations of infamous individuals, this episode offers a rich and engaging exploration of Laetrile’s legacy.