eCOA In Oncology Trials: A Tool To Simplify

By Jill V. Platko Ph.D., Vice President, Scientific Services

Oncology clinical trials are among the most complex in the life sciences landscape, where patients often undergo multiple, intensive treatments that impact both physical and emotional well-being. Capturing accurate, timely quality of life (QoL) data is essential—not only to understand treatment efficacy but also to meet evolving regulatory expectations. Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessments (eCOA) offer a powerful way to collect patient-reported outcomes, enabling a more holistic view of the patient experience.

When eCOA is unified with Interactive Response Technology (IRT) on a single platform, trial sites benefit from a streamlined user experience, while sponsors gain operational efficiency and more reliable data. This integrated approach is especially valuable in oncology, where trial protocols are often complex and endpoints are numerous. By simplifying data collection and centralizing trial management, unified eCOA and IRT solutions help teams respond more effectively to protocol changes and patient needs.

This is the first in a three-part series that explores how eCOA is transforming trials in oncology, dermatology, and gastroenterology. Start with oncology—where the need for holistic, patient-centered data is most urgent.