Maurie Markman1. 1. Department of Gynecologic Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005, USA. mmarkman@mdanderson.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There are limited data available in the medical literature concerning the issue of the depth of information presented on cancer-related Internet-based dealing with disease management. METHODS: To explore this question, websites identified on a popular search engine (Google) employing the search strategy, "treatment of cervix cancer," were evaluated for their presentation of chemotherapy-related topics, including possible strategies supported by solid evidence-based data (e.g., concurrent chemotherapy plus radiation) and programs likely to have limited impact on the course of the illness (e.g., progression following a cisplatin-based chemoradiation regimen). RESULTS: Of 66 websites identified, 92% mentioned chemotherapy as a possible treatment for cervix cancer. However, although 51% noted the option of chemoradiation, only 18% stated this approach had been shown to improve survival. Further, discussions of the specific toxicity of chemotherapy for cervix cancer were uncommon (12%), and mention of a management strategy that focuses exclusively on supportive and comfort care measures in the setting of progressive and platinum-resistant disease was rare (3%). CONCLUSIONS: Although generally technically accurate, the content of the information describing the role of chemotherapy within Internet sites dealing with cervix cancer is superficial and likely of limited educational value.
BACKGROUND: There are limited data available in the medical literature concerning the issue of the depth of information presented on cancer-related Internet-based dealing with disease management. METHODS: To explore this question, websites identified on a popular search engine (Google) employing the search strategy, "treatment of cervix cancer," were evaluated for their presentation of chemotherapy-related topics, including possible strategies supported by solid evidence-based data (e.g., concurrent chemotherapy plus radiation) and programs likely to have limited impact on the course of the illness (e.g., progression following a cisplatin-based chemoradiation regimen). RESULTS: Of 66 websites identified, 92% mentioned chemotherapy as a possible treatment for cervix cancer. However, although 51% noted the option of chemoradiation, only 18% stated this approach had been shown to improve survival. Further, discussions of the specific toxicity of chemotherapy for cervix cancer were uncommon (12%), and mention of a management strategy that focuses exclusively on supportive and comfort care measures in the setting of progressive and platinum-resistant disease was rare (3%). CONCLUSIONS: Although generally technically accurate, the content of the information describing the role of chemotherapy within Internet sites dealing with cervix cancer is superficial and likely of limited educational value.
Authors: Crystale Purvis Cooper; Cynthia A Gelb; Alexandra N Vaughn; Jenny Smuland; Alexandra G Hughes; Nikki A Hawkins Journal: J Am Med Inform Assoc Date: 2014-07-22 Impact factor: 4.497
Authors: Magdalena Z Raban; Amina Tariq; Lauren Richardson; Mary Byrne; Maureen Robinson; Ling Li; Johanna I Westbrook; Melissa T Baysari Journal: Interact J Med Res Date: 2016-07-21