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Reporting of Randomized Trials in Common Cancers in the Lay Media

Domen Ribnikar1, Hadar Goldvaser, Alberto Ocana

  • 1Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University of Toronto and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Oncology
|November 20, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lay media frequently report on cancer randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before scientific dissemination. Early reporting is linked to positive outcomes, targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and prostate cancer studies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Clinical Trials
  • Medical Journalism

Background:

  • Limited data exists on lay media's role in disseminating randomized controlled trial (RCT) results for common cancers.
  • Understanding media dissemination is crucial for public health communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extent and timing of lay media reporting on cancer RCTs.
  • To identify factors associated with early lay media reporting of trial results.

Main Methods:

  • Phase III RCTs for common cancers (Jan 2005-Oct 2016) were identified via ClinicalTrials.gov.
  • Lay media coverage was tracked using LexisNexis Academic.
  • Logistic regression analyzed associations between early lay media reporting and study characteristics.

Main Results:

  • 52% of 180 RCTs were reported in the lay media; 27% appeared before scientific reporting, an increasing trend over time.
  • Early lay media reporting correlated with positive trial outcomes (OR: 2.10).
  • Early reporting was associated with targeted therapy (OR: 4.75), immunotherapy (OR: 7.60) vs. chemotherapy, and prostate cancer (OR: 3.25) vs. breast cancer trials.

Conclusions:

  • A significant proportion of cancer RCTs are reported by the lay media before scientific publication.
  • Positive trial results, immunotherapies, targeted therapies, and prostate cancer studies are more likely to receive early lay media attention.
Keywords:
Anticancer drugsCancerLay media reportingLexisNexisRandomized trialsScientific reporting

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