In a recent article published in the Future Oncology, Patient Advocates and DiCE CEO Zorana Maravic explored and enhanced the understanding of the value Real-World Evidence (RWE) research can bring to patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) and the wider medical community.

Regarding mCRC, only a few RWE studies have been conducted. RWE studies, such as the ongoing PROMETCO (A Real-World Evidence Prospective Cohort Study in Management of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Clinical and Patient Perspective), RWE studies differ from clinical trials because they include a wider range of patients with fewer restrictions on the type of treatments received, reflecting a diverse and more typical patient population. Data on patients’ own opinions and priorities regarding their mental and physical health, as well as quality of life are collected. This includes levels of pain and fatigue, side effects, anxiety and depression, treatment satisfaction, and their ability to do normal daily tasks.

Patient Participation in RWE Studies

Greater patient engagement can increase involvement in RWE, helping more patients access RWE research’s benefits and providing information essential to improving medical treatment. They can also place more attention to the patient’s own opinions. By joining RWE studies, patients will likely become more interested in their disease and take a more active role in their treatment. Patients and their carers can be encouraged to participate actively throughout the research process, ensuring that studies are well-designed and successfully executed.

Ultimately, this can help improve their quality of life and possibly their treatment outcomes. Clinicians should help patients and their carers to learn about their disease and encourage them to participate in RWE research.

Access the full article here.

Author:
Ruel Jacob