Research identifies leaders in oncology

New research by Cegedim Customer Information (CCI) has collated the opinions of physicians to identify key opinion leaders, and their associated networks, in the field of oncology.

Presenting at a conference in Paris, France, CCI described 'Physician Connect Oncology' which collected responses from over 14,000 clinicians across nine countries on who they saw as key figures in their respective specialities in cancer care.

The research covers seven main tumour types and five haematological malignancies, with a total of 24,000 experts nominated over varying regional levels, from local to international.

Information about each clinician was also identified, including how many patients they saw each month and their involvement in such areas as publishing, clinical trials and education.

"This is comprehensive bottom-to-top research," said Marcus Bergler, VP sales and marketing, CCI. "It allows us to see who is having an impact on practicing physicians rather than just seeing who is involved with congresses or who is the most published."

As an example of the kind of research the study provided, the results of those oncologists involved in breast cancer were discussed with an expert panel consisting of Dr Peter Harper, a London-based consultant medical oncologist, and Dr David Khayat, president of the French Cancer National Institute.

Dr Alain Herrera

The discussion was co-ordinated by Dr Alain Herrera, a consultant for CCI who helped with the accuracy and value of the questionnaire sent to oncologists.

The results, which were not revealed to the panel until the presentation, covered a wide variety of variables, including the overall most popular international influencers in breast cancer; the region these influencers come from; the differences in results between gynaecologists and oncologists; and how such issues as drug prices affected physicians in individual countries.

Dr David Khayat and Dr Peter Harper

Although Khayat and Harper agreed with many of the opinions identified, they also admitted surprise as to some of the names mentioned as leading the field.

"Some of the names that were put as top ten influencers in the UK were very interesting," said Dr Harper. "They wouldn't have been doctors that we thought were thought leaders."

"I think that how doctors speak to each other and influence each other is important - I thought it was a very interesting list. And it's all the better for that," Harper added.

CCI has more information on Physician Connect Oncology.