The cost of digital quackery: those who postpone proven treatment for a "miracle cure" could lose months of their lives.

At the recent ESMO 2026 conference in Madrid, experts emphasized the importance of precise cancer treatments over ineffective alternatives. Digital misinformation can delay effective treatment, costing patients valuable time. Examples of misleading therapies include ivermectin, which lacks clinical evidence for cancer treatment, and dendritic cell therapy, which has limited effectiveness. The conference highlighted the need for better patient education to combat these myths. Additionally, advancements in targeted therapies and AI in healthcare were discussed, aiming for fewer but more effective treatments. The focus is on improving outcomes while reducing unnecessary burdens on patients and healthcare systems.