Respiratory Tracker: Lung Cancer: The most discussed respiratory condition by HCPs this quarter

12.05.2025 | Tracker

Respiratory Tracker: Lung Cancer: The most discussed respiratory condition by HCPs this quarter

Throughout January-March 2025, CREATION Pinpoint® tracked the conversations of UK online healthcare professionals (HCPs) discussing respiratory diseases on X (Twitter). We analysed 2,956 posts discussing respiratory diseases by 966 HCPs.

This quarter, lung cancer accounted for 18% of the total online respiratory HCP discussions. A total of 154 HCPs contributed to the conversation, each posting an average of 3.5 times on the topic. This level of activity was notably higher than the average number of posts per author seen within the top 5 respiratory disease discussions this quarter: COVID-19 (2.4 posts per author), asthma (2.0), RSV (1.9), and pneumonia (1.7). 

The conversation spanned a wide range of themes, from vaccine innovations, awareness about lung cancer in women, to the environmental impact causing lung cancer. Notably, there was a strong focus on clinical advances, especially in relation to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Our analysis uncovered 197 NSCLC HCP mentions

A key driver in the lung cancer-related conversation was The British Thoracic Oncology Group (BTOG25) conference in Belfast; a significant event in the UK lung cancer calendar. Mentions of the event led to a 900% increase in lung cancer discussions. HCPs frequently used the hashtag #BTOG25, making it the second most used hashtag across all respiratory-related posts this quarter. 

During the conference, HCPs shared insights from various sessions, including discussions around reducing toxicity from lung cancer therapy and the potential gaps between clinical best practice and national treatment guidelines. The event also served as a platform for HCPs to amplify the latest developments in lung cancer care; 68% of these mentions were reshares. 

In addition to BTOG25, the European Lung Cancer Congress (ELCC 2025) was another pivotal moment in the lung cancer conversation. HCPs highlighted several treatment innovations showcased during the conference. For instance, Oncologist Crispin Hiley reflected on the increasing complexity of treatment pathways for EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC, noting that while this presents challenges, it is ultimately a reflection of progress.

Among the most discussed trials were COCOON, MARIPOSA, and FLAURA2; all of which explored new combinations and strategies aimed at improving patient outcomes. Oncologist Giannis Mountzios emphasized the critical importance of ongoing clinical research, not only to enhance efficacy but also to refine and personalise treatment strategies based on “genetic and clinical risk factors.”  

Furthermore, Johnson & Johnson’s positive results from the MARIPOSA trial were well received by several HCPs. Thoracic medical oncologist Adam Januszewski highlighted the “great data” as potentially “practice-changing.”

Beyond lung cancer discussions, HCPs also raised awareness around the asthma crisis in the UK, with many focusing on paediatric asthma. A total of 251 HCPs contributed to the conversation, collectively reaching over 3 million accounts. Posts amplified campaigns and initiatives calling for improved respiratory health policies. For instance, Professor Nick Hopkinson supported Asthma + Lung UK’s call for the government to take lung health seriously. Nurse Sara Nelson highlighted the use of NHS data to improve air quality, while Respiratory nurse Kate Lippiett shared updates on NIHR research into new approaches to support children and young people with asthma.

Moreover, in the RSV conversation, HCPs shared recent data indicating that the RSV vaccine has led to a notable decrease in hospital admissions among older adults. HCPs advocated for vaccination as crucial in preventing severe illness; Professor of Cancer Virology, Stephen Griffin, amplified a post calling for enhanced infection control measures in health social care settings.

Additionally, 61 HCPs shared developments in the UK’s vaping/smoking regulation and research, including the Tobacco and Vapes Bill and a new government study on vaping’s long-term effects on children. HCPs also highlighted the rise of lung cancer in never-smokers and the importance of integrating smoking cessation services. 

Each month, we track the HCP conversation relating to respiratory disease. You can read other editions in the Respiratory Tracker archive .

You can also keep updated with other pharmaceutical tracking updates, including how HCPs engage with Top 50 pharma and the product approvals that are catching their attention.  To receive updates straight to your inbox you can sign up for our monthly eJournal with our latest HCP insights. 

If you want to dig deeper into what we have seen this month then please get in touch

Methodology

  • CREATION Pinpoint® was used to analyse 2,956 mentions on X from 966 HCPs in the UK discussing respiratory disease and related terms, throughout January-March 2025.

 

 

 

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Doménica Carpio



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