2026/02/21 by Florent Varet, Valentyn Fournier, Léo Toussard +2 · 1 voice
Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutics · Social Sciences · #Misinformation and Its Impacts #Pharmaceutical industry and healthcare #Social Media in Health Education
paper · doi:10.31234/osf.io/hrmyw_v2
openalex publication_date 2026/02/21 · openalex created_date 2026/02/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/14
[English translation of the French abstract]Introduction:Better understanding the determinants, consequences, and mechanisms associated with misinformation in oncology is an important issue in order to prevent and correct its effects. These may include a loss of trust in research and healthcare actors in oncology and a rejection of their recommendations, sometimes in favor of risky alternative practices. Research on this topic has most often focused on analyzing factors related to the victims of misinformation. However, the producers and vectors of misinformation remain understudied.Methods:Within this framework, the authors of the present manuscript propose a critical analysis of an article in which they, as well as other individuals and institutions, are subjected to personal attacks. The article also contributes to the production and dissemination of misinformation related to oncology. The authors conducted an analysis of the rhetorical devices and fallacious arguments contained in the article, drawing on established academic approaches, typologies, and reference works. In addition, an analysis of potential breaches of editorial and ethical standards was carried out in comparison with several sets of widely recognized guidelines.Results and discussion:The analysis of the article reveals the use of numerous non-scientific persuasive argumentative strategies (e.g., logical distortions, emotional appeals, diversionary tactics, and discrediting of opponents), as well as several potential shortcomings on the part of both the author and the editorial process with regard to ethical and integrity standards. In particular, the similarities between the analyzed article and misinformation discourse are discussed, along with the potential harmful effects on the credibility of research and healthcare in oncology, and the resulting perspectives for research and for combating misinformation.