Real-World Evidence From Community Oncology: Assessing Secular Trends in Ovarian Cancer Diagnoses From 2014 to 2024
Author(s)
Lisa Herms, PhD, Saamir Pasha, MPH, Zhaohui Su, PhD, Paul Conkling, MD, Jessica Paulus, ScD.
Ontada, Boston, MA, USA.
Ontada, Boston, MA, USA.
OBJECTIVES: Ovarian cancer (OC) is a highly fatal gynecologic malignancy, often diagnosed late-stage due to limited screening. While national US data show modest improvements in incidence and mortality, these may obscure differences across care settings. Community oncology practices - where most patients are treated - can vary in demographics, resources, and access to innovation. This study examined real-world trends in OC incidence, treatment, and survival in community settings to assess equity, access, and value-based care.
METHODS: Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with OC from 2014-2024 were identified from a large network of US community oncology practices with 2,700+ providers and >1 million patients seen annually. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from structured fields in iKnowMed, an oncology-specific electronic health record system. Trends in diagnosis, patient characteristics and survival were evaluated descriptively.
RESULTS: An average of 1,382 new cases were identified annually. The proportion of patients aged 65+ at diagnosis increased (from 44% in 2014-16 to 53% in 2023-24). The proportion of White patients declined (from 88% to 80%), while the proportion of Black, Asian, and other races increased (6% to 7%, 3% to 5%, and 2% to 8%, respectively). BRCA testing rose from 34% to 45%, with mutations (BRCAm) identified in 18% of tested patients. Late-stage diagnoses increased, with Stage IV cases rising from 24% to 34% while Stage I, II and III cases declined (26% to 20%, 9% to 8%, and 41% to 39%, respectively). The 5-year survival probability was 53.9% for BRCAm patients and 41.6% for non-BRCAm patients.
CONCLUSIONS: This US-based analysis highlights the value of real-world evidence in understanding decentralized oncology care and alignment with national data. Community data reveal a shift toward older, more diverse patients and later diagnoses. These trends highlight the need to improve screening and early detection and ensure equitable access to effective treatments in community settings.
METHODS: Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with OC from 2014-2024 were identified from a large network of US community oncology practices with 2,700+ providers and >1 million patients seen annually. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from structured fields in iKnowMed, an oncology-specific electronic health record system. Trends in diagnosis, patient characteristics and survival were evaluated descriptively.
RESULTS: An average of 1,382 new cases were identified annually. The proportion of patients aged 65+ at diagnosis increased (from 44% in 2014-16 to 53% in 2023-24). The proportion of White patients declined (from 88% to 80%), while the proportion of Black, Asian, and other races increased (6% to 7%, 3% to 5%, and 2% to 8%, respectively). BRCA testing rose from 34% to 45%, with mutations (BRCAm) identified in 18% of tested patients. Late-stage diagnoses increased, with Stage IV cases rising from 24% to 34% while Stage I, II and III cases declined (26% to 20%, 9% to 8%, and 41% to 39%, respectively). The 5-year survival probability was 53.9% for BRCAm patients and 41.6% for non-BRCAm patients.
CONCLUSIONS: This US-based analysis highlights the value of real-world evidence in understanding decentralized oncology care and alignment with national data. Community data reveal a shift toward older, more diverse patients and later diagnoses. These trends highlight the need to improve screening and early detection and ensure equitable access to effective treatments in community settings.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
RWD152
Topic
Epidemiology & Public Health, Real World Data & Information Systems, Study Approaches
Topic Subcategory
Health & Insurance Records Systems
Disease
Oncology