Oncology real-world evidence: overcoming challenges in Europe and APAC

Executive summary

In our recent webinar, Alexander Ide, Dr. Solomon Kamal-Uddin, and Natalie Carroll tackled one of oncology’s toughest challenges: how to turn fragmented Real-World Data (RWD) into evidence that truly accelerates cancer research.

Key insights

• Secure Data Environments and AI are redefining how oncology Real-World Evidence (RWE) is generated and shared.
• Collaborative networks are expanding access to diverse, representative cancer data across Europe and APAC.
• Regulators’ growing acceptance of RWE is accelerating more timely, clinically meaningful oncology research.

The challenges in oncology RWE

Generating oncology real-world evidence outside the U.S. is complex. Limited access to representative patient data, concerns over quality and completeness, and diverse privacy regulations make it difficult to produce reliable, timely insights. Traditional sources such as registries and claims data are useful but often too limited for today’s oncology research needs.

Innovative ways forward

To address these challenges, forward-looking organizations are adopting new approaches. Multi-hospital collaborations and trusted data partner networks are expanding access and representation. Commissioned cohorts allow researchers to study specific populations such as biomarker-defined groups. Harmonized data models and regular updates are enabling faster, more relevant insights across countries and healthcare systems.

Technology as an enabler

Secure Data Environment (SDE) platforms now give hospitals confidence to contribute data safely and compliantly. AI and machine learning tools are improving data quality, reducing site workload, and unlocking value from underused data sources like unstructured EMR notes. These advances are helping generate oncology RWE at scale across Europe and APAC.

Looking ahead

The demand for oncology real-world evidence is growing. Regulators and HTA agencies are increasingly open to its use, making early engagement and the right data strategies critical for success.