Research to Be Presented at ISPOR 2023 Illuminates the Economic Costs of Melanoma and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Provides Insights That Can Help Strengthen the Quality and Approach to Real-World Evidence Generation

Ontada announces seven research presentations at ISPOR 2023, including a new framework for assessing the quality of real-world data, which has been selected as a top 5% finalist for the ISPOR Research Presentation Awards

IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ontada^®, a McKesson business dedicated to leveraging oncology real-world data (RWD), real-world evidence (RWE), clinical education, and provider technology to transform the fight against cancer, will be presenting research at ISPOR 2023, The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research Annual Meeting taking place in Boston on May 7-10. This new data provides insights on the care and cost of melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as important considerations for how to strengthen the quality, rigor, and approach to RWE generation, inclusive of biomarker data, to better inform and improve cancer care.

“It’s an unprecedented time for patients living with cancer as life sciences companies race to create and expand access to new cutting-edge targeted therapies. With this level of innovation comes increased complexity and cost for manufacturers, providers, and patients,” said Susan Shiff, PhD, MBA, president, Ontada. “Ontada’s work continues to support science in oncology and improve cancer care through our real-world data and research. Our unique partnership with The US Oncology Network, one of the largest networks of community oncology providers in the U.S., allows us to leverage interconnected technology and real-world insights. It’s our goal to accelerate drug development and commercialization, connect community oncology providers to treatment educational programs, and advance precise, evidence-driven patient care through practice technologies in the community setting.”

The full schedule of Ontada presentations, including timing and authorship information, can be found here. Highlights include:

Assessing the quality of real-world data and real-world evidence in oncology research

Published methods for determining the quality of RWD and RWE were identified through a literature review. Results were summarized and discussed with subject-matter experts. From these discussions, Ontada researchers developed a new method that focuses on understanding whether and what oncology questions can be answered with the RWD available. Based on this method, a tool was developed based on nine domains identified in the literature review: conformance, completeness, consistency, accuracy, scalability, timeliness, generalizability, validity, and transparency. Categories of quality were then defined as high, moderate, and low.

The new tool will help aid researchers understand RWD and RWE quality more broadly and for specific domains. Additional details on the methods and results from applying this tool to data from practices in The US Oncology Network will be presented at future peer-reviewed research forums.

Cost of treating melanoma patients in the community setting

Ontada researchers performed a retrospective analysis of linked data from the iKnowMed℠ electronic health record (EHR) and claims data from patients treated at practices in The US Oncology Network to assess the cost of melanoma care in community oncology settings. The results show that the cost of treating melanoma has increased over time and is significantly higher among patients with metastatic disease. This data may provide oncology stakeholders with insights into how advancements in melanoma care influence costs and illuminate the cost benefits of identifying melanoma before it becomes metastatic.

Cost of treating NSCLC in the community setting

Ontada researchers evaluated outpatient costs of care and changes in costs over time among patients with NSCLC treated in a large network of U.S. community oncology clinics. This retrospective study shows that the cost of treating NSCLC has increased over time for both stage IV and earlier stages of the disease. Results may provide oncology stakeholders with insights into how advancements in NSCLC care influences rising costs.

Integrating biomarker testing data into EHRs to support and inform treatment decisions on cancer care

According to a 2021 survey of healthcare providers by the American Cancer Institute, biomarker testing has been required or recommended for more than half of the 62 cancer drugs introduced in the last five years, and research continues to show that cancer patients who receive biomarker-driven targeted cancer therapy have improved outcomes, making it important to integrate biomarker testing data into EHRs to help support and inform treatment decisions.

In the study, Ontada researchers mapped biomarker information pathways for cancer treatment using data from an EHR. The study used test reports, structured EHR data and clinical decision support (CDS) tool records to measure and visualize the flow of biomarker data relative to critical treatment decisions made by providers. The study concludes that CDS tools can have a significant impact on assisting providers in identifying precision oncology treatment options.

In addition to accepted research, Ontada’s Chief Scientific Officer Amy O’Sullivan, PhD, and Chief Medical Officer Nicholas Robert, MD, will present, “Across the Continuum of Real-World Data Use Cases in Oncology: From Early Signals to Regulatory Decision Making,” in the HEOR Theater on Tues., May 9 from 3:45 to 4:15 P.M.

About Ontada^®

Ontada is an oncology technology and insights business dedicated to transforming the fight against cancer. Part of McKesson Corporation, Ontada was founded on the core belief that precise insights – delivered exactly at the point of need – can save more patients’ lives. We connect the full patient journey by combining technologies used by The US Oncology Network and other community oncology providers with real-world data and research relied on by all top 15 global life sciences companies. Our work helps accelerate innovation and power the future of cancer care. For more information, visit ontada.com.

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