Blog
Shifting the paradigm: unlocking early-stage oncology opportunities
IQVIA Belux
Jun 27, 2025

In oncology, the stage of disease determines the treatment intent—curative in early stages, palliative in advanced ones. While staging systems vary by cancer type, the trend toward earlier intervention is gaining momentum across Europe, including Belgium. This shift is reshaping how pharmaceutical companies approach development, access, and commercialization.

Why earlier matters

Belgium’s healthcare system is known for its strong clinical infrastructure and early adoption of innovation. Treating cancer at an earlier stage not only improves patient outcomes but also aligns with the country’s focus on value-based care and cost-effective treatment pathways. However, this evolution raises important questions for pharma stakeholders.

Key questions for pharma leaders

  • How can we demonstrate value in early-stage populations within Belgium’s reimbursement framework?
  • What local evidence is needed to support earlier intervention?
  • How do we engage oncologists and hospitals in early-stage treatment adoption?
  • What role can real-world data play in supporting earlier access?

Partnering for progress: IQVIA’s local expertise

At IQVIA, we believe in empowering pharmaceutical teams with the insights, tools, and partnerships needed to bring transformative therapies to patients earlier in their journey. In Belgium, our local experts work closely with clients to navigate the unique dynamics of the healthcare system.

1. Illuminating the patient experience

We help map the early-stage oncology journey in Belgium, identifying key decision points and treatment flows. Our sentiment analysis captures the perspectives of Belgian patients, caregivers, and HCPs to inform tailored strategies.

2. Turning data into direction

IQVIA Belgium integrates local clinical and real-world data with global analytics to uncover actionable insights. Our tools support predictive modeling and real-time feedback to guide early-stage planning.

3. Navigating access with confidence

Our HEOR and market access teams support early dialogue with RIZIV/INAMI and other stakeholders. We help demonstrate value through local outcomes research and ensure alignment with Belgian reimbursement criteria.

4. Engaging the ecosystem

Early-stage success depends on strong connections. We help identify and engage the right experts, institutions, and influencers through tailored KOL and HCO mapping, and support omnichannel strategies that resonate across touchpoints

5. Enabling innovation through technology

From AI-driven personalization to telehealth platforms, we support pharma teams in delivering education, adherence tools, and patient support programs tailored to local needs.

Actionable tips for pharma teams

  1. Engage early with stakeholders: involve RIZIV/INAMI, oncologists, and patient groups early in the development process to align on value and access.
  2. Leverage local real-world data: use Belgian treatment and outcomes data to support early-stage positioning and reimbursement submissions.
  3. Map regional treatment dynamics: understand how early-stage care varies across Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels to tailor your strategy.
  4. Collaborate with local experts: IQVIA BeLux offers deep expertise in HCO mapping, treatment initiator identification, and sentiment analysis specific to the Belgian context.

Ready to lead the shift to early-stage oncology? IQVIA is here to help you lead it, with data, insight, and local expertise.

Reach out to us for more information or to discuss how we can support your shift to early-stage oncology: kristin.vandendaele@iqvia.com or sophie.tigranoff@iqvia.com

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