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SP 1

IT-Architecture and Multi-level Data Management for Systems Medicine for Multiple Myeloma

The aim of the subproject 'Multi-level data management and IT architecture for systems medicine for multiple myeloma' is to develop and provide an IT system, which enables the sustainable usage of results from biomedical research for the care of patients with multiple myeloma by means of individualized therapy. This sub-project features a platform for all scientific data of the project CLIOMMICS and thus forms a cross-sectional project.
In order to achieve the aim, innovative methods of data aggregation, visualization and management of large, heterogeneous biomedical and clinical data sets have to be investigated. Hence, this sub-project explicitly targets at the higher-level aim of the support program e:Med to investigate diseases system-oriented by combining both life- and computer science.
As part of CLIOMMICS a three-layer IT architecture was developed. The main components of the architecture are shown in the following figure:

The first level addresses data representation. Consequently, a research data warehouse (RDW) based on the open‐source software i2b2 hosts phenotype specific data for multiple myeloma. The RDW directly provides a user interface for researchers to access data. From the CLIOMMICS patient cohort, sub‐cohorts with specific properties are filtered and exported. Detailed statistical analysis can be performed with dedicated tools like R or SAS. We implemented a Generic Case Extractor (GCE) allowing a comprehensive data export as a matrix containing one line per case.
The second level of our IT architecture covers components for decision support. The CBR module hosts the case base derived from RDW and omics data. Based on clinical and omics parameters of a newly admitted patient, similar cases are selected from the case base. As an alternative to CBR, rules based decision support methods are investigated as additional modules. Hence, a hybrid approach for the decision support layer is pursued.
Level three of the IT‐architecture addresses the visualisation of data for clinical use. In addition to an interactive, web-based user interface, a module for generating medical reports was implemented. Such reports are intended for paper‐based communication of multiple myeloma prognosis in inter‐sectoral communication.
During this second funding phase of CLIOMMICS, modules for layers two and three are developed.


Keywords: IT-architecture, Systems medicine, Multiple myeloma, Support of an individualized therapy