Real-world evidence (RWE) research helps determine whether outcomes observed in clinical trials happen in real-life clinical practice. RWE research may help patients receive more appropriate treatment, closer to their needs and wishes. RWE for metastatic colorectal cancer is currently limited. The PROMETCO RWE study is an important example of an ongoing initiative that focuses on patient-reported outcomes in metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients play an active role throughout the RWE research process, including study design, participation and results dissemination. This involvement can encourage greater patient empowerment through active engagement, potentially resulting in various benefits that can lead to improved clinical outcomes. Greater patient engagement can increase involvement in RWE, helping more patients to access the benefits of RWE research. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT03935763 (ClinicalTrials.gov).
Keywords: PROMETCO; education; empowerment; metastatic colorectal cancer; patient-reported outcomes; quality of life; real-world evidence.
Real-world evidence (RWE) research provides information that is essential to improving medical treatment. When it comes to metastatic colorectal cancer – cancer that has spread to other parts of the body – only a few RWE studies have been conducted. RWE studies, such as the ongoing PROMETCO study in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, differ from clinical trials in that they include a wider range of people with fewer restrictions on type of treatments received. They can also place more attention to the patients' own opinions. By joining RWE studies, patients are likely to become more interested in their disease and take a more active role in their treatment. In the end, this can help to improve their quality of life and possibly improve the outcomes of their treatment. Doctors need to work in partnership with patients to increase participation in RWE studies.