70% of US Oncologists Are Wrong About Clinical Trial Diversity

COTA, Inc., an oncology real-world data and analytics company, announced insights from a study of practicing oncologists that reveals 83 percent of oncologists surveyed believe real-world data is critical to accelerating the development of potentially life-saving cancer drugs and treatments. The study, which was conducted by independent research firm PureSpectrum and COTA, analyzed 200 practicing oncologists’ perceptions on a number of issues related to cancer research and clinical trials, including: diversity, the use of real-world data (RWD), and the effect that the lightning-quick COVID-19 vaccine development process had on patient expectations.

The study found that oncologists believe it is important for all clinical trials to include a real-world data component, and the overwhelming majority (78 percent) would urge pharmaceutical companies and cancer research groups to use real-world data in all clinical trials as well. Additionally, 71 percent stated that they believe real-world data, when used as an external control arm, can make a clinical trial more efficient and representative.