Intensity-modulated radiotherapy and the Internet

Cancer
David A SchomasArno J Mundt

Abstract

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the content and quality of patient-oriented information regarding intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on the Internet. IMRT websites were identified by reviewing the first 50 uniform resource locators on 5 search engines using the search terms IMRT and intensity modulated radiation therapy. Each site was evaluated by three observers for informational content, presentation, accuracy, and balance. A score of low, moderate, or high was assigned to each category based on a predefined scoring system. An overall score was assigned to each site, ranging from -35 to 100 points. Seventy-seven patient-oriented IMRT websites were identified (45% private, 21% academic, and 18% commercial). Most sites (58%) had a low level of informational content, with information on fundamental aspects of IMRT planning (target delineation and inverse planning) appearing on < 50% of sites. The most commonly discussed tumors were genitourinary (65%) and head and neck (53%) lesions. Few sites, however, described the potential benefits of IMRT (toxicity and tumor control). Most sites (82%) used patient-appropriate language. False and/or misleading information was seen on 42% of sites and was equally commo...Continue Reading

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Citations

Aug 4, 2005·Cancer·Loren K MellArno J Mundt
Jun 5, 2019·Journal of Cancer Education : the Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Education·Edward Christopher Dee, Nathan H Varady
Sep 6, 2019·Journal of Cancer Education : the Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Education·Edward Christopher Dee, Grace Lee

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