Episode 1 - Evidence-Based Decisions for Data Generation, Collection, and Analysis

During the opening segment of this program on evidence-based decisions to improve quality and regulate costs, Peter Salgo, MD; John L. Fox, MD, MHA; Irwin W. Tischler, DO; Michael Kolodziej, MD; Ira M. Klein, MD, MBA, FACP; and Bryan Loy, MD, discuss how noninterventional studies play a role in oncology, and explore the variables that affect the clinical success of a treatment.

Providers take into account multiple factors when making decisions about appropriate therapy for their patients. Among the variables that they must consider are the high costs of care and personalized medicine.

Because personalized medicine is now taking on an increasingly important role in oncology, the information collected during noninterventional studies is extremely useful, according to Drs Tischler and Kolodziej.

Dr Fox explains that comparative data are not often distinguished during clinical trials. Noninterventional studies are important because the data collected during these studies can help determine whether or not a treatment is “optimal” for a patient. Dr Klein agrees and provides an example, noting that this information can help match specific patient populations to specific treatments based on their genetic mutations.

Despite their importance, Dr Tischler explains that the data collected during non-interventional studies will most likely never replace clinical trial data, because the information collected during clinical trials is considered the “gold standard” in healthcare.

However, Dr Loy remarks that the information collected during randomized clinical trials can suggest additional noninterventional studies in specific patient populations. He comments that providers need to be selective when determining an appropriate treatment option for patients.