Comprehensive mapping review of real-world evidence publications focusing on targeted therapies in solid tumors: A collaborative work from ESMO real-world data and Digital Health Working Group

Background : A growing body of real-world evidence (RWE) aims to better reflect outcomes of cancer patients treated in real-world settings. We aimed to conduct a first comprehensive mapping review of the RWE produced over the past 3 years in terms of tumor type, treatment strategies, setting, and data sources, focusing on targeted therapies (TT) in solid tumors. Methods : We conducted a systematic review in PubMed of RWE studies published between 01/2020 and 12/2022. We identified non-interventional studies using observational data, focusing on solid tumors exposure to targeted therapies, excluding immunotherapies. Abstract and full-text screening were performed by 11 independent reviewers. Results : A total of 7,774 publications were retrieved with 1,251 considered eligible and extracted. The number of publications per year progressively increased during this period (328 in 2020; 421 in 2021; 502 in 2022). Most studies (50%) were performed in Asia, followed by Europe (25%) and North America (17%). Only 8% of studies had patients treated in more than one country. Treatment effectiveness and safety were assessed in 71% and 42% of studies respectively. Main data sources were medical records. Conclusions : RWE publications on TT for solid tumors are heterogeneous and mostly rely on retrospective data such as medical records. Population-based and international studies are rare. Collaborative efforts towards international representativeness and the use of routinely collected and/or standardized data sources must be encouraged to increase the relevance and future quality of publications and their potential impact on oncology practice.