Analysis of 810 tweets from 25 unofficial ASCO representatives (Featured Voices) at ASCO 2024

Abstract

Aim of the study

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) hosts an annual conference and is one of the largest medical conferences globally. For ASCO 2024, they selected 25 Featured Voices, advertising them as individuals to follow on Twitter/X throughout the conference. The aim of this study was to characterize tweets from each of the 25 featured individuals.

Brief summary of the methods

From May 16, 2024 through June 19, 2024 we filtered tweets by using the twitter advanced search tool and applying the following criteria in the tweet text: #ASCO OR #ASCO24 OR #ASCO2024. Tweets were classified as being about research (yes or no) and if media was included (yes or no). Additional information about research related tweets was gathered, such as whether the research was observational or interventional. If it was interventional, we characterized whether the tweet was supportive, critical, or neutral of the research.

Results

We find that 229 (28.3 %) of 810 tweets commented on research. Of the 229 research related tweets, 136 (59.4 %) were related to interventional trials of which they were supportive 65.3 % of the time. Media was included in 280 (34.6 %) of 810 tweets. 219 were photos of a person and 80 were selfies.

Conclusion

ASCO Featured Voices tweeted more photos, including selfies (n=299), than commentary about research (n=229). When research was referenced, individuals were rarely critical. Trials presented at ASCO have the ability to impact guidelines, so it is important that they are appraised critically and discussed in an unbiased way. How Featured Voices are chosen requires further scrutiny.

Policy summary statement at the end

ASCO should disclose financial relationships in the future when selecting Featured Voices to represent the organization and provide insight.