Presentation of chemotherapy options for cervix cancer on cancer-related Internet sites.
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.
Markman
Maurie
M
Department of Gynecologic Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77005, USA. mmarkman@mdanderson.org
D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D054626:Consumer Health Information / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods*; D020407:Internet; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016387:Women's Health