INNV-23. GLIOBLASTOMA AND FACEBOOK: AN ANALYSIS OF PERCEIVED ETIOLOGIES AND TREATMENTS.

Abstract

Facebook has become one of the most widely used platforms by patients and caregivers for information on GBM. As such, physicians treating GBM are challenged with reconciling their medical advice with online media sources. In many cases, the information from these online sources can run counter to the advice given by physicians. OBJECTIVE(S): This study sought to understand the type of information being shared on a popular GBM Facebook community titled, "GLIOBLASTOMA SURVIVORS TO THRIVERS! " with regards to 1. The perceived causes of GBM and 2. The therapies that led to GBM remission. METHOD(S): All the posts in a 30-day period (5/01/2019-6/01/2019) were screened for information on GBM etiologies and GBM therapies. Within each group, posts were sorted into distinct sub-categories with posts of similar content. The sub-categories were ranked to determine which etiologies and therapies were most commonly seen by group members. RESULT(S): A total of 83 posts were on the topic of "GBM Etiologies" and 80 on the topic of "GBM Therapies. " Within the "GBM Etiologies", the reasons for developing GBM were due to 1. Unknown (31.3%) 2. Previous Radiation Exposure (24.1%) 3. Chemical Exposure (17%) 4. Genetic (12%) 5. Infectious Disease (6%) 6. Losartan/Valsartan (4.8 %). and 7. Head Trauma (2.4%) and Emotional Trauma (2.4%). Within the GBM Therapy category, the therapies that led to remission were 1. Standard of Care (36.3%) 2. CBD/THC (16.3%) 3. Ketogenic Diet (12.5%) 4. Avastin (7.5%) and Optune (7.5%) 5. IV Vitamin C (6.25%) and COC Protocol (6.25%) 6. Meditation/Yoga/Acupuncture (5.0%) and 7. Faith Healing (2.5%). CONCLUSION(S): In the Facebook group titled, ?"GLIOBLASTOMA SURVIVORS TO THRIVERS!, " the top three most commonly posted reasons for developing GBM were "Unknown" "Previous Radiation Exposure" and "Chemical Exposure." The top three therapies that led to remission were "Standard of Care" "CBD/THC" and "Ketogenic Diet. ".