2023 North America Conference on Lung Cancer (NACLC) - Posters and Abstracts-PP01.38 (Poster) A Missed Opportunity, The Lack of Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Promotion on Instagram by NCI Designated Cancer Centers

PP01.38 (Poster) A Missed Opportunity, The Lack of Lung Cancer Clinical Trial Promotion on Instagram by NCI Designated Cancer Centers

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This study examined the use of Instagram by NCI designated cancer centers to promote lung cancer clinical trials. The researchers found that only 68% of the cancer centers analyzed had an Instagram page. Out of the 7,585 posts analyzed, only 19 posts (0.25%) highlighted lung cancer trials. There was no significant difference in the presence of lung cancer trial posts between comprehensive cancer centers (CCC) and cancer centers (CC).<br /><br />The study highlights the missed opportunity for cancer centers to utilize social media platforms like Instagram to promote lung cancer trials. This is particularly important as there are significant disparities in trial enrollment based on race, with African Americans and Hispanics being underrepresented. The Pew Research Center has found that approximately half of African Americans and Hispanics use Instagram, making it a potentially effective platform to reach these underrepresented populations.<br /><br />Increasing the promotion of lung cancer trials on Instagram could help improve recruitment and address healthcare disparities. However, there is a concern that promoting trials on Instagram may lead to comments that undermine trial integrity. It is recommended that cancer centers consult their Institutional Review Boards (IRB) before promoting trials on social media platforms.<br /><br />In conclusion, this study reveals that NCI designated cancer centers are not effectively utilizing Instagram to promote lung cancer clinical trials. By increasing the presence of lung cancer trial posts on Instagram, cancer centers have the opportunity to reach a larger audience and improve enrollment, particularly among underrepresented populations. However, caution must be taken to ensure trial integrity is not compromised.

Asset Subtitle

Max Greenberg

Keywords

Instagram

NCI designated cancer centers

lung cancer clinical trials

social media platforms

trial enrollment

race disparities

African Americans

Hispanics

healthcare disparities

Institutional Review Boards