P212: Benchmarking Analysis of Direct-to-Consumer Web-based Information for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Treatment Options

Poster Presenter

Jaswitha Basu

US Medical Hematology Fellow, Bristol Myers Squibb
Rutgers University
United States

Objectives

To assess visual (i.e.image,video) messaging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) therapy featured on patient-facing websites by drug therapy manufacturers in the United States to evaluate content being shared with consumers.

Method

A systematic review analysis to assess visual content in patient-facing websites for NSCLC agents, using appropriate guidelines, as of March 2023. Each web-marketed active ingredient and/or combination was analyzed separately. Pre-specified endpoints were defined for benchmarking assessment.

Results

Content featured in patient-facing drug manufacturer websites (n=36) for NSCLC that were publicly accessible as of March 2023. National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines were employed for a relevant, appropriate, and encompassing drug list. 7 products were excluded for analysis due to no currently existing patient website. Of 29 pharmaceutical products, 116 direct-to-consumer (DTC) patients facing webpages were included in analysis and assessed for sentiment, offered benefit, and efficacy and safety data included. In total, 21 videos and 208 images were gathered through analysis. 8 webpages had both images and videos. 55 webpages had familial visualization and 26 webpages included a patient story. 62 webpages featured nature and/or portrayal of an activity. 35 webpages had efficacy mentioned, while 3 also included primary efficacy statistical significance. 82 webpages highlighted safety but 0 showed primary safety statistical significance. We also evaluated the aim of the developed content through the DTC advertisements. 80 were advertising the drug, 48 were disease awareness driven, 39 included patient experience, and 58 aimed to bring awareness to other clinical services offered.

Conclusion

Patient-facing material for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) featured in manufacturer websites contained predominantly visual advertisements, inclusive of image and video content. Analysis showed most visual DTC advertisements utilized images and videos, that involved familial visualization and nature/active patients. Most webpages incorporated important safety information but lacked embedded visual representation. Overall, these advertisements on drug-manufacturers websites lacked statistical context surrounding efficacy data for patient awareness. The benchmarking analysis raises the question if patients receive appropriate representation of available safety and efficacy data for NSCLC treatments to partake in robust, and personalized shared-decision making with the provider