Abstract
BackgroundThe oncology market represents one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in any medical field, and printed advertising in medical journals is an important channel by which pharmaceutical companies communicate with healthcare professionals. The aim of the present study was to analyze the volume and content of and trends and changes in oncology-related advertising intended for healthcare professionals in a peer-reviewed medical journal. Information that could be included in advertisements to promote drug development and improve treatment strategies for cancer patients is discussed on the basis of the results of the analysis.Methods/Principal FindingsOverall, 6,720 advertisements covering 13,039 pages in a leading oncology medical journal published (by the American Society of Clinical Oncology) between January 2005 and December 2009 were analyzed. The advertisements targeting pharmaceuticals and clinical trials, in particular, were reviewed. A total of 6,720 advertisements covering 13,039 pages were included in the analysis. For the years 2005–2009, the percentages of total journal pages dedicated to advertising were 24.0%, 45.7%, 49.8%, 46.8%, and 49.8%, respectively. Package insert information and efficacy and safety explanations appeared in more than 80% of advertisements intended for pharmaceutical promotion. From 2005 to 2009, the overall quantity of drug advertisements decreased by approximately 13%, whereas advertisements calling for the enrollment of patients into registration trials increased by approximately 11%.Conclusion/SignificanceThroughout the study period, oncology-related pharmaceutical advertisements occupied a considerable number of pages relative to other journal content. The proportion of advertisements on ongoing clinical trials increased progressively throughout the study period.
Highlights
Most healthcare professionals are member of several medical societies, which publish scientific journals and literature to highlight the progress being made in that particular discipline
During the 5 years included in the study, the use of pictures and photographs decreased, and inclusion of the results of clinical trials increased
The explanation of trial design increased over time. This is the first study to assess the nature and extent of oncology-related pharmaceutical advertising targeted at healthcare professionals and published in a leading oncology journal
Summary
Most healthcare professionals are member of several medical societies, which publish scientific journals and literature to highlight the progress being made in that particular discipline. Oncology is the field of medicine concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, a major causes of death in worldwide. This medical specialty attracts a high degree of interest from investigators, physicians, private industry, regulatory agencies, patients, and the general public. The oncology market represents one of the largest pharmaceutical markets in any medical field, and printed advertising in medical journals is an important channel by which pharmaceutical companies communicate with healthcare professionals. Information that could be included in advertisements to promote drug development and improve treatment strategies for cancer patients is discussed on the basis of the results of the analysis.
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