A former Stanford research coordinator, Naheed Mangi, has been found guilty by a federal jury for her unauthorized access and subsequent tampering with a breast cancer study database. This incident occurred shortly after Mangi's dismissal from Stanford University's National Cancer Institute, where she was involved in the clinical research program.
The case revolved around Mangi's interaction with the "Velvet Breast Cancer MO27782 Study," a clinical trial sponsored by Genentech focused on an experimental treatment for advanced-stage breast cancer. On August 19, 2013, the same day of Mangi's termination, she wrongfully altered patient records in the study, inserting incorrect data and personal insults aimed at her former supervisor. The U.S. Attorney's Office reports that these actions necessitated an expansive internal review by Stanford and notifications to regulatory bodies, including the FDA, causing significant financial losses for the institution.
Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins stated, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office, "Naheed Mangi intentionally tampered with a breast cancer research database by entering false information and personal insults. Her senseless actions undermined a study into the safety and efficacy of a new treatment for breast cancer patients." His remarks underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for research integrity and patient welfare.
Charged with two counts of Intentional Damage to a Protected Computer and one count of Accessing a Protected Computer Without Authorization, Mangi now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for each of the former counts and one year for the latter. As stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office, her sentencing is scheduled for July 21, whereby the Court will determine her punishment based on federal sentencing guidelines and statutes.
