OBJECTIVES: Within the last decade market authorizations for oral anticancer treatments (OATs) have increased but no published data are available on their use over time. This analysis aimed at describing the evolution of OATs use in France. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed from Oncology Analyzer™ (IMS Health, France), a physician survey database covering more than 10,000 cancer patients per year treated in both public and private institutions from multiple French regions.  The database includes patient demographics, diagnosis and treatment patterns. Data were extracted for all cancers patients treated by oral and intravenous (IV) anticancer drugs from October 2004 to September 2012. Analyses included active anticancer treatments (chemotherapy, targeted therapy, hormonal-therapy, immunotherapy) excluding supportive care agents. RESULTS: The proportion of cancer patients receiving OATs increased from 2,241/7,891 (28%) to 2,410/7,426 (32%). Data showed an increasing use of OATs over time especially among patients aged over 70 years (i.e. 40% in 2004 versus 46% for patients in 2012). The proportion of OATs among all anticancer drugs (oral and IV) remains stable over time (45.1% in 2005 (41/91) versus 45.4% in 2012 (54/119). The number of molecules available in oral form was stable except for targeted therapies (4 in 2004 versus 15 in 2012). Data related to some molecules available in both forms (oral and IV) such as melphalan, fludarabine, topotecan, confirmed the preferential use for the oral route of administration over time. CONCLUSIONS: The Re-ACTOR study confirms the increasing uptake of OATs in oncology in France. The number of patients receiving OATs increases over time especially for targeted therapies. This trend draws the attention of the necessity to reinforce measures to accompany the development of OATs in terms of safety and healthcare delivery, especially for the elderly who require specific attention to provide them with patient support tools and programs.