BioBankWarden: A web-based system to support translational cancer research by managing clinical and biomaterial data

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2015.04.008Get rights and content
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Highlights

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    A web-based computer system—BioBankWarden—is proposed and deployed.

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    The system allows researchers to integrate and analyze clinical and biomolecular data.

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    BiobankWarden concerns the control of patient records and biomaterial storage.

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    BiobankWarden allows the control of disease research groups and research projects.

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    The system allows integrated studies under translational research.

Abstract

Background

Researchers of translational medicine face numerous challenges in attempting to bring research results to the bedside. This field of research covers a wide range of resources, including blood and tissue samples, which are processed for isolation of RNA and DNA to study cancer omics data (genomics, proteomics and metabolomics). Clinical information about patients׳ habits, family history, physical examinations, remissions, etc., is also important to underpin studies aimed at identifying patterns that lead to the development of cancer and to its successful treatment.

Purpose

Development of a web-based computer system—BioBankWarden—to manage, consolidate and integrate these diversified data, enabling cancer research groups to retrieve and analyze clinical and biomolecular data within an integrative environment. The system has a three-tier architecture comprising database, logic and user-interface layers.

Results

The system׳s integrated database and user-friendly interface allow for the control of patient records, biomaterial storage, research groups, research projects, users and biomaterial exchange.

Conclusions

BioBankWarden can be used to store and retrieve specific information from different clinical fields linked to biomaterials collected from patients, providing the functionalities required to support translational research in the field of cancer.

Keywords

Translational medicine
Biological databases
Oncogenomics
Biomaterial management
Clinical data management

Cited by (0)

Yuri Ferretti received the B.Sc. degree in Biomedical Informatics from University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2011. Presently he is a M.Sc. student in the Inter-Institutional Grad Program on Bioinformatics also from University of São Paulo. His research interests include bioinformatics, translational research and biological databases.

Newton Shydeo Brandão Miyoshi received the B.Sc. degree in Biomedical Informatics from University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2009 and the M.Sc. in Bioinformatics also from University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 2013. Presently he is a Ph.D. student in the Grad Program on Medical Clinic also from University of São Paulo. His research interests include bioinformatics, health informatics and data integration.

Wilson Araújo Silva Jr received the B.Sc. degree in Biology (Medical Modality) from Federal University of Pará, Brazil, in 1989, the M.Sc. degree in Genetics from University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1993 and the Ph.D. degree also in Genetics from University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 1999. He is currently an Associated Professor in the Genetics Department of University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. He coordinates the Center of Genomic Medicine and the Integrated Systems Biology Research Nucleous of Medical School of University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. His research interests include bioinformatics, genomic medicine and cancer genetics.

Joaquim Cezar Felipe received the B.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of São Paulo, Brazil, in 1986, the M.Sc. degree in Computer Science from Federal University of São Carlos, Brazil, in 2000 and the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2005. He is currently a full Professor in the Computing and Mathematics Department of University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto, Brazil. His research interests include bioinformatics, biological databases and medical image processing and analysis.

© 2015 Elsevier Ltd.