Abstract
Background: Given that media coverage can shape healthcare expectations, it is essential that we understand how the media frames “personalized medicine” (PM) in oncology, and whether information about unproven technologies is widely disseminated. Methods: We conducted a content analysis of 396 news reports related to cancer and PM published between 1 January 1998 and 31 December 2011. Two coders independently coded all the reports using a pre-defined framework. Determination of coverage of “standard” and “non-standard” therapies and tests was made by comparing the media print/broadcast date to the date of Federal Drug Administration approval or incorporation into clinical guidelines. Results: Although the term “personalized medicine” appeared in all reports, it was clearly defined only 27% of the time. Stories more frequently reported PM benefits than challenges (96% vs. 48%, p < 0.001). Commonly reported benefits included improved treatment (89%), prediction of side effects (30%), disease risk prediction (33%), and lower cost (19%). Commonly reported challenges included high cost (28%), potential for discrimination (29%), and concerns over privacy and regulation (21%). Coverage of inherited DNA testing was more common than coverage of tumor testing (79% vs. 25%, p < 0.001). Media reports of standard tests and treatments were common; however, 8% included information about non-standard technologies, such as experimental medications and gene therapy. Conclusion: Confusion about personalized cancer medicine may be exacerbated by media reports that fail to clearly define the term. While most media stories reported on standard tests and treatments, an emphasis on the benefits of PM may lead to unrealistic expectations for cancer genomic care.
Highlights
With former President Obama’s unveiling of the Precision Medicine Initiative, and the recent Cancer Medicine Moonshot Initiative, interest within the federal government, the medical research community, and the general public in genomic and personalized medicine has been burgeoning [1,2,3]
In a large-scale media content analysis, we found that the term personalized medicine was not clearly defined in the majority of news articles
We found that there was a greater coverage of benefits, as opposed to risks or challenges, of personalized medicine, but that reporting on particular genetic tests and targeted therapies largely occurred after clinical utility had been established
Summary
With former President Obama’s unveiling of the Precision Medicine Initiative, and the recent Cancer Medicine Moonshot Initiative, interest within the federal government, the medical research community, and the general public in genomic and personalized medicine has been burgeoning [1,2,3]. The news media plays a critical role in health education, including playing an important role in disseminating information about emerging technologies, and amplifying the impact of research findings within the medical community [12,13,14]. A recent study with breast cancer patients demonstrated that patients’ knowledge and information-seeking regarding personalized cancer therapy is lacking, and is associated with higher education and income levels [27]. Media reports of standard tests and treatments were common; 8% included information about non-standard technologies, such as experimental medications and gene therapy. While most media stories reported on standard tests and treatments, an emphasis on the benefits of PM may lead to unrealistic expectations for cancer genomic care
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