Welcome to the latest update from the DECIDER research project! Today, we are thrilled to introduce a pivotal component of our work – Oncodash, an innovative open-source decision support system for treating clinicians. Developed as a collaborative effort within DECIDER, the Oncodash system is a testament to the dedicated effort of the researchers and engineers from the Pasteur Institute in Paris, the Universities of Modena and Helsinki, and the practical insights of clinicians from the Turku University Hospital and the University of Helsinki.
What is Oncodash?
Oncodash is a software tool that seamlessly merges patients’ clinical data with information on patients’ genome changes from our sequencing pipeline, enriched by knowledge from external cancer databases. The integration and visualization of all relevant data from a patient is crucial for the complex task of clinical treatment decisions. Oncodash is therefore essential in helping molecular tumor boards (MTBs), i.e., panels of experts who jointly decide on the best treatment for each patient, based on their individual needs.
Navigating oceans of data and knowledge
Growing bodies of knowledge about cancer and rapidly advancing measurement technologies provide unprecedented opportunities to personalize precision treatments. This means that for every patient we acquire a large amount of clinical, genomic, and imaging data, which taken together are essential for categorizing the tumor and optimizing individual treatment options. But pinpointing exactly the right bits of information for every patient in oceans of data and knowledge is a herculean task that requires tailored AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms. The Oncodash solution to do this? A central Semantic Knowledge Graph (SKG). SKGs are revolutionary in managing data – they allow to link previously unconnected information into large networks, structured by ontologies.
Oncodash leverages the Biocypher software to make complex information findable, accessible, interoperable, and reproducible. This approach not only ensures the highest standards in data management but also lays the groundwork for building a community of researchers and clinical user around Oncodash. By offering visualization widgets to display our complex data, molecular tumor boards (MTBs) can efficiently tailor the user interface of Oncodash to address their specific needs.
A Leap Towards Interactive AI Data Visualization
Our vision goes beyond powerful software. We are embarking on a journey to make AI model-generated data from the DECIDER project accessible to practitioners. This will take the form of an interactive visualization, shedding light on the intricate network of information at the center of MTB discussions. This development is more than a technical feat – it represents a bridge connecting AI insights with real-world clinical applications.
Impact on Patient Care
At the heart of DECIDER and Oncodash lies our commitment to improving patient care. By enhancing the efficiency of MTBs, we are streamlining the decision-making process in managing ovarian cancer cases. This means quicker, more informed decisions, ultimately benefiting patients through more effective treatment strategies. Oncodash stands at the forefront of integrating clinical and genomic data in the fight against ovarian cancer.
Join Us on This Journey
Oncodash is more than a tool; it is a community initiative. We invite researchers, clinicians, and anyone passionate about advancing ovarian cancer treatment to join us. Together, we can push the boundaries of what is possible in cancer care, making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and their families. Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for being a part of the exciting DECIDER journey!
Interested in learning more about Oncodash? Visit the Oncodash website to learn more, or to reach out to our team for more information. Your support and interest drive our mission forward!