DataSheet_1_Online searches for hepatocellular carcinoma drugs mirror prescription trends across specialties and changes in guideline recommendations.docx

Background & aimsThe treatment options for systemically progressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have significantly expanded in recent years. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential of Google searches as a reflection of prescription rates for HCC drugs in the United States (US).
MethodsWe conducted an in-depth analysis of US prescription data obtained from the IQVIA National Prescription Audit (NPA) and corresponding Google Trends data from January 2017 to December 2022. We focused on drugs used in the first line and second or later treatment lines for HCC, collecting data on their prescriptions and search rates. Search volumes were collected as aggregated search queries for both generic drugs and their respective brand names.
ResultsDuring the study period from Q1 2017 to Q4 2022, monthly prescriptions for drugs used in HCC treatment showed an 173% increase (from 1253 to 3422). Conversely online searches increased by 3.5% (from 173 to 179 per 10 million searches). Notably, strong correlations were observed between search interest and prescriptions for newer drugs, which indicates increasing usage, while older drugs with declining usage displayed limited correlation. Our findings suggest a growing role of non-physician professions in managing systemically progressed HCC within the US healthcare system, although oncologists remained primarily responsible for drug prescriptions.
ConclusionsIn conclusion, online search monitoring can offer the potential to reflect prescription trends specifically related to the treatment of HCC. This approach provides a swift and accessible means of evaluating the evolving landscape of HCC treatment.

研究背景与目的
近年来，系统性进展期肝细胞癌（hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC）的治疗方案已显著拓展。本研究旨在评估谷歌搜索（Google Search）量作为美国肝细胞癌药物处方率反映指标的潜力。

研究方法
本研究对2017年1月至2022年12月期间获取的IQVIA全国处方审计（National Prescription Audit, NPA）美国处方数据及对应谷歌趋势（Google Trends）数据开展深入分析。研究聚焦于肝细胞癌一线及二线及以上治疗方案所用药物，收集其处方量与搜索量数据；搜索量以通用名药物及其对应品牌名的聚合搜索查询量进行统计。

研究结果
本研究周期为2017年第一季度至2022年第四季度，期间肝细胞癌治疗药物的月度处方量增长173%（从1253增至3422）；反之，在线搜索量仅增长3.5%（每千万次搜索中从173次增至179次）。值得注意的是，使用量持续攀升的新型药物的搜索热度与处方量之间呈现显著相关性；而使用量逐年下降的老旧药物则仅表现出微弱相关性。本研究结果提示，尽管美国医疗体系中药物处方仍主要由肿瘤医师负责，但非医师职业群体在系统性进展期肝细胞癌诊疗中的作用正日益凸显。

研究结论
综上，在线搜索监测有望成为反映肝细胞癌治疗相关处方趋势的有效手段。该方法可为评估肝细胞癌治疗格局的动态变化提供一种便捷高效的途径。