Characteristics and impact of real-world evidence studies in oncology: comprehensive mapping review of publications evaluating targeted therapies in solid tumours

Background

A mapping review of real-world evidence (RWE) publications on targeted therapy (TT) for solid tumours was carried out to describe their characteristics, strengths, and limitations.

Methods

RWE publications were identified that: (i) focused on TTs in patients with solid tumours; (ii) included study objectives of effectiveness, predictive or prognostic factors, safety or quality of life; (iii) were published between 1 January 2020 and 22 December 2022. Associations between study variables and journal impact factor (IF) were explored through regression and cluster network analyses.

Results

Of 7775 publications identified, 1251 were eligible for analysis. The number of publications per year increased over time. Most studies were conducted in Asia (50%), Europe (25%), and North America (17%), with only 8% in more than one country. Data sources were mostly health records (55%) and registries (11%). Most studies were retrospective (85%) and only 16% were population based. Gastrointestinal tumours were the most frequently studied (30%), followed by lung (22%) and breast (21%). The median journal IF was 4.4. Involvement of >10 centres and studies originating from Europe were significantly associated with a higher IF (≥7) in multivariable analysis. Network analysis demonstrated strong associations between countries and the number of publications in specific tumour types.

Conclusions

The number of RWE publications on TT for solid tumours is increasing, but studies are heterogeneous, mostly retrospective, and published in low IF journals. International collaboration and promotion of standardised data sources is imperative to enhance the relevance of RWE research to complement clinical guidelines and impact clinical practice.