Skin cancer drug said to show promise
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Rating
Skin cancer drug said to show promise
Our Review Summary
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. If caught early, it is highly treatable. If found in advanced stages, the 5 year survival drops significantly. This story reports on the results of a small pilot study showing a benefit in treating advanced stage melanoma using a new class of drug. This short story does a great job of informing the reader while using a minimum of words (only 343).
The story adequately represents the availability and novelty of the new drug. The story accurately describes the strength of the available evidence by correctly describing the current study as "small" and "preliminary."
The story does a good job of quantifying the benefits of treatment in absolute terms by providing the actual number of months with no new lesions for both the new drug group and the standard treatment group.
Finally, the story does mention that "there are very few drugs available for people with advanced melanoma." However, the story could have elaborated on the available alternatives and how this new drug may fit in with the existing options.
Criteria
Not Applicable
The story does not mention costs, but it is understandable that pricing may not be available with a drug so early in development.
Satisfactory
The story does a good job of quantifying the benefits of treatment in absolute terms by providing the actual number of months with no new lesions for both the new drug group and the standard treatment group.
Satisfactory
The story mentions that potential harms of the drug include a drop in white blood cells, back pain and fatigue.
Satisfactory
The story adequately describes the design of the current study. The story accurately describes the study as "small" and "preliminary."
Satisfactory
The story does not overstate the seriousness or prevalence of melanoma.
Satisfactory
The story quotes one independent expert in addition to a representative of the company.
Not Satisfactory
The story does mention that "there are very few drugs available for people with advanced melanoma." However, the story could have elaborated on the available alternatives and how this new drug may fit in with the existing options.
Satisfactory
The story clearly states that the drug is in very early stages of development and has not yet been submitted for approval.
Satisfactory
The story clearly states that the drug is new.
Not Applicable
There is no way to know if the story relied on a press release as the sole source of information.
Total Score: 7 of 8 Satisfactory
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