Transforming breast cancer management with real-world data and artificial intelligence

Background

Real-world data (RWD) provide essential insights into the effectiveness and safety of breast cancer treatments, particularly in diverse patient populations, where traditional clinical trials may have limitations. Integrating RWD into breast cancer research enhances the understanding of treatment outcomes and supports clinical decision-making, complementing the findings from controlled clinical studies.

Design

This article reviews the integration of RWD into breast cancer research, highlighting the benefits and challenges. Various sources of RWD, including electronic health records (EHRs), insurance claims, and patient registries, are examined, with a focus on their application in studies of triple-negative breast cancer. The article also explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in managing RWD, particularly through technologies like natural language processing (NLP) and predictive analytics, which enhance data collection, storage, and analysis.

Results

RWD has demonstrated significant value in informing clinical decision-making and improving patient outcomes in breast cancer treatment. The integration of AI into the management of RWD has provided deeper insights into patient outcomes and supported personalized treatment strategies. Specific studies leveraging RWD have shown improved understanding of breast cancer subtypes, such as triple-negative breast cancer, and enhanced the effectiveness of treatment protocols.

Conclusion

Despite the benefits, challenges remain in integrating RWD and AI into clinical practice, particularly regarding transparency, interpretability, and ethical considerations. Addressing these challenges requires robust data governance frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and investment in advanced analytical tools. The potential for RWD and AI to transform breast cancer treatment and improve patient care is significant, underscoring the need for ongoing research and collaboration.