The promise of real-world data: what are we missing?

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By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 14.08.2025 (Oncology Republic): The real-world data space is increasingly recognising the value of qualitative data that captures patient-specific values and experiences. It can help researchers and policy makers develop better ways for disease prevention and cure, and enhance quality of care, but to harness its value, there is a need for stronger infrastructure, governance, and interoperability frameworks.

A recent New England Journal of Medicine Perspective by former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb and colleagues highlights the growing significance of real-world data (RWD) in clinical research, regulatory decisions, and health system improvement. Despite its promise, major barriers, including fragmented data systems, variable quality, and limited linkage between real-world evidence (RWE) and clinical decision-making, restrict its full potential, they say.

Sallie Pearson, Professor of Health Systems and director of NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Medicines Intelligence at UNSW said RWD had the potential to be a reliable complement to randomised controlled trials.

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Rethinking radiotherapy after nodal clearance in breast cancer

0 Comments read Cancer, Health & Science

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 14.08.2025 (Oncology Republic): Is regional nodal irradiation beneficial for women with initially node-positive breast cancer who achieve pathologic nodal clearance (ypN0) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy? The jury is still out.

A landmark phase III study (NRG-NSABP B-51/RTOG 1304) published in the New England Journal of Medicine addressed whether adding RNI benefits women with initially node-positive breast cancer who achieve ypN0 after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

After a median follow-up of 59.5 months, the addition of RNI did not significantly improve invasive recurrence-free survival or any secondary outcomes (HR 0.88; 95% CI 0.60–1.28; P = 0.51), and both arms had excellent IBCRFI (92.7% with RNI v/s 91.8% without RNI). Dr David Blakey, radiation oncologist at the ICON Cancer Centre in Mornington, said the results of the study had the potential to significantly alter radiotherapy recommendations after neoadjuvant systemic therapy for women achieving a complete response in the axillary nodes.

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Open-source exoskeleton aims to close disability divide

0 Comments read Disability, Health & Science
Photo Credit: ©Courtesy of Northern Arizona University

By Neena Bhandari

Sydney, 03.07.2025 (SciDev.Net): Mechanical engineers in the US have decided to make their design open source, ensuring the assistive technology for people with severe physical disabilities is free to access across the globe.

The Northern Arizona University researchers say OpenExo could help people in resource-limited countries create their own wearable robotic devices and foster innovation in this field. The modular robotic device with multiple configurations can assist in the rehabilitation and improved mobility of people with physical disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, stroke-related impairments and cerebral palsy.

Globally, over 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products. According to The WHO and UNICEF Global report on assistive technology (2022), only three per cent of people in some low-income countries have access to the assistive products they need, in comparison to 90 per cent in some high-income countries.

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