Use of word “unprecedented” in the media coverage of cancer drugs: Do “unprecedented” drugs live up to the hype?

Media coverage of cancer therapeutics: A review of literature

“…Three authors subsequently (FR, ER, BN) performed data capture on all eligible articles. The primary author (FR), in consultation with the study team, developed a data capture tool that was relevant to the study objectives [8], [15]. The data extraction form was created in Microsoft Excel and was pilot tested by two reviewers (FR and ER).…”

“…These five articles were led by teams in the US (n=3),Australia (n=1), France(n=1) and Canada (n=2) [8], [15], [19]- [22]. The studies evaluated media reports of multiple cancer medicines and surgery across multiple cancers.…”

“…The studies evaluated media reports of multiple cancer medicines and surgery across multiple cancers. Articles by Abola et al and Tayapongsak et al described the use of superlatives in media reports including terms such as "unprecedented", "breakthrough", "miracle", and "revolutionary" [8], [15]. These terms were used by multiple parties including journalists, physicians, industry, patients and politicians [8].…”

“…However, there is a stark disconnect between this reality and what is reported in the media. News coverage tends to inflate these benefits using superlatives words such as "game changer", "miracle drugs", and "unprecedented" [8], [15].…”

“…Journalists, philanthropic bodies, research institutions and researchers have all inflated the benefits, used superlatives, and contributed to the hype about cancer drugs [8], [15], [17]. At least a proportion of this "over-hype" in oncology is driven by marketing efforts from pharmaceutical companies that seek to influence physician prescribing [18].…”