The term “real-world evidence” (rwe) describes the analysis of data that are collected beyond the context of clinicaltrials. The use and application of rwe have become increasingly common and relevant, especially in oncology, because there is growing recognition that randomized controlled trials (rcts) might not be sufficiently representativeof the entire patient population that is affected by cancer, and that specific clinical research questions might be bestaddressed by real-world data. In this brief review, our main aim is to highlight the role of rwe in informing cancercare, particularly focusing on specific examples from colorectal cancer. Our hope is to illustrate the ways in whichrwe can complement rcts in improving the understanding of cancer management and how rwe can facilitate cancertreatment decisions for real-world patients encountered in routine clinical care.