Across Europe, oncology is becoming increasingly data-driven, yet the maturity of data ecosystems still varies widely. In Romania, the field is undergoing a transition from fragmented clinical information toward more structured and interoperable data.
In this interview, Vlad Afrăsânie, MD, PhD, shares insights on current challenges in oncology data collection, including gaps in standardization and completeness, as well as the need for unified documentation frameworks. He also highlights the role of national coordination and the growing impact of digitalization and AI in shaping a more effective, data-enabled oncology ecosystem.
Oncology has become one of the most data-intensive medical specialties. How would you describe the current state of oncology data collection in routine clinical practice in Romania?
Romania has historically lacked a structured system for oncology data collection, mainly due to organizational challenges. However, efforts are now underway to build a more standardized, high-quality data infrastructure to better assess real-world outcomes and support both clinical decisions and research. All of this contributes to building a better future.
What are the most common gaps you observe in oncology records when data are later analyzed retrospectively?
The most common gaps relate to data uniformity and completeness. In many cases, the information is not recorded in a standardized way, which makes it difficult to compare and analyze across patients or centers.
Biomarker-driven treatment decisions are now central to oncology. How well is biomarker information integrated into routine clinical documentation?
It’s generally well-integrated into practice, but because there isn’t a standardized national template of the medical records, some biomarker details can still be missed or recorded inconsistently.
How important is the implementation of unified templates or standardized documentation frameworks in oncology?
This would be extremely important, as it would create a framework for accurate multicentre analysis at both national and international levels, in real time and with minimal bias.
What incentives or structural changes could encourage physicians to adopt more structured documentation practices?
I believe a key role here should be played by national health authorities, working closely with national medical societies and their experts, who can recommend standardized templates tailored to each disease which can be implemented afterwards in every hospital.
Looking ahead five to ten years, how do you envision the oncology data ecosystem evolving?
With digitalization and AI advancing so quickly, it’s hard to imagine not evolving the oncology data ecosystem alongside them. We have a real opportunity to make better use of real-world data and turn it into meaningful improvements in patient care and research.
Vlad Afrăsânie, MD, PhD, is a medical oncologist and Assistant Professor at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Grigore T. Popa” in Iași, Romania. He practices at the Regional Institute of Oncology Iași, where he is actively involved in patient care and clinical decision-making, as well as in phase II and III clinical trials.
Dr. Afrăsânie’s work focuses on molecular oncology, cancer biomarkers, and the integration of real-world and clinical trial data into oncology practice. He has authored numerous scientific publications and contributes to advancing data-driven oncology and precision medicine.
He also serves as President of the Romanian Young Oncologists Group, supporting professional development and collaboration among early-career oncologists in Romania.
