Factors Associated With the Publication of Real-World Evidence Studies in Lung Cancer by Journal Impact Factor
Author(s)
Mai Ping Tan, PhD1, Lisa M. Baker, PhD2, Malcom JM Darkes, PhD3, Elizabeth Harvey, PhD4.
1MedCommsTech, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 2MedCommsTech, Bozeman, MT, USA, 3MedCommsTech, Queensland, Australia, 4MedCommsTech, Orpington, United Kingdom.
1MedCommsTech, Cardiff, United Kingdom, 2MedCommsTech, Bozeman, MT, USA, 3MedCommsTech, Queensland, Australia, 4MedCommsTech, Orpington, United Kingdom.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate factors associated with the publication of real-world evidence (RWE) studies relative to Clarivate journal impact factor (IF). The findings may support researchers in selecting target journals for their RWE studies, and identify trends for consideration in the review and interpretation of RWE literature.
METHODS: A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify retrospective, longitudinal studies of real-world outcomes/practice patterns using lung cancer as a case study (publication window: 05/2022-05/2025). Study variables were extracted from published abstracts and stratified by journal IF quartile (Q1, lowest tier; Q4, highest tier).
RESULTS: 108 articles were included across 45 journals (105 articles in journals with a reported IF). Median IF was 3.3 (Q1:not reported-2.6 [n=26], Q2:2.7-3.0 [n=29], Q3:3.3-4.4 [n=25] and Q4:4.5-14.8 [n=28]); 10% of articles were published in journals of IF>5. Almost all Q4 articles were published in specialist oncology journals (96%) versus 72-90% in Q2/Q3 and 62% in Q1. More articles in Q3 (56%) and Q4 (57%) used electronic health/medical record data than in Q1 (38%) or Q2 (28%). There was a higher proportion of US articles in Q4 (64%) than Q1-Q3 (27-48%). Most articles focused on treatment patterns (52-72%) and effectiveness (79-88%) while a smaller proportion reported safety outcomes (17-32%), regardless of IF quartiles. The proportion with a focus on molecular testing increased from 12% in Q1 to 32% in Q4, while more studies in lower-tier journals focused on cost outcomes (Q1:15%, Q2:7%, Q3:8%, Q4:4%). Industry-sponsorship (23-72%) and sample size (range N=46-60,025) did not show clear trends relative to journal IF.
CONCLUSIONS: Results from this analysis suggest that the outcomes assessed and geography of RWE studies may influence publication in higher- versus lower-tier journals. Researchers should be aware of potential biases by journal tier when reviewing the RWE literature.
METHODS: A targeted literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify retrospective, longitudinal studies of real-world outcomes/practice patterns using lung cancer as a case study (publication window: 05/2022-05/2025). Study variables were extracted from published abstracts and stratified by journal IF quartile (Q1, lowest tier; Q4, highest tier).
RESULTS: 108 articles were included across 45 journals (105 articles in journals with a reported IF). Median IF was 3.3 (Q1:not reported-2.6 [n=26], Q2:2.7-3.0 [n=29], Q3:3.3-4.4 [n=25] and Q4:4.5-14.8 [n=28]); 10% of articles were published in journals of IF>5. Almost all Q4 articles were published in specialist oncology journals (96%) versus 72-90% in Q2/Q3 and 62% in Q1. More articles in Q3 (56%) and Q4 (57%) used electronic health/medical record data than in Q1 (38%) or Q2 (28%). There was a higher proportion of US articles in Q4 (64%) than Q1-Q3 (27-48%). Most articles focused on treatment patterns (52-72%) and effectiveness (79-88%) while a smaller proportion reported safety outcomes (17-32%), regardless of IF quartiles. The proportion with a focus on molecular testing increased from 12% in Q1 to 32% in Q4, while more studies in lower-tier journals focused on cost outcomes (Q1:15%, Q2:7%, Q3:8%, Q4:4%). Industry-sponsorship (23-72%) and sample size (range N=46-60,025) did not show clear trends relative to journal IF.
CONCLUSIONS: Results from this analysis suggest that the outcomes assessed and geography of RWE studies may influence publication in higher- versus lower-tier journals. Researchers should be aware of potential biases by journal tier when reviewing the RWE literature.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
SA41
Topic
Organizational Practices, Real World Data & Information Systems, Study Approaches
Topic Subcategory
Registries
Disease
Oncology, Respiratory-Related Disorders (Allergy, Asthma, Smoking, Other Respiratory)