Pharmaceutical company reps have been visiting doctors for decades to tell them about the latest drugs. But how does the practice affect patients? A group of economists tried to answer that question.

Drug company reps commonly visit doctors to talk about new medications. A team of economists wanted to know if that helps patients live longer. They found that for cancer patients, the answer is no.

A economic research study shows that oncologists' prescribing habits change after they've been visited by pharmaceutical sales reps — and it also shows the changes do not extend patients' lives.