10/14/2016 by Sel No. 42c

Making efficient use of Big Data in medicine

Large experiments and simulations in science today generate ever increasing amounts of data. In order to turn this data and information into insights and knowledge however, scientists also need storage capacities and analytical potential of a new quality. The Helmholtz Association is now leading the way in storing data permanently, securely and re-usably. In order to manage Big Data in science, the association has founded the Helmholtz Data Federation (HDF). Around 49.5 million Euros will be invested over the next 5 years in multi-thematic data centers and in modern data management. In the context of the HDF initiative coordinated by KIT in Karlsruhe, the DKFZ is responsible for the data accruing in healthcare.

“Biomedical research generates ever larger quantities of data that need to be analyzed. In cancer research for example, this happens as a result of the sequencing of the entire genetic material of cancer cells, or on account of new imaging procedures“, explains Michael Boutros, Scientific Director at DKFZ.

The DKFZ cooperates with other Helmholtz Research centers to develop new methods to utilize this enormous wealth of data in the best possible way. This includes pooling scientific data, sharing data whilst maintaining data ownership, using data across disciplinary boundaries, and providing reliable data archiving capabilities. “Everybody is now talking about Big Data. In medical research, a vast amount of data is generated, which needs to be pooled, so that it can be used in a meaningful way. The integration of data harbors great potential to discover new medically relevant correlations. The combined results of genome analysis and images from radiology can provide valuable clues about effective treatment for cancer patients. This however demands specialized technologies and methods, which we intend to develop further within the framework of the HDF“ explains Roland Eils, who coordinates the contribution of medical research in the HDF together with the head of IT at DKFZ, Holger Haas.

Further information:

About DKFZ

With more than 3,000 employees, the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum, DKFZ) is Germany’s largest biomedical research institute. DKFZ scientists identify cancer risk factors, investigate how cancer progresses and develop new cancer prevention strategies. They are also developing new methods to diagnose tumors more precisely and treat cancer patients more successfully. The DKFZ's Cancer Information Service (KID) provides patients, interested citizens and experts with individual answers to questions relating to cancer.

To transfer promising approaches from cancer research to the clinic and thus improve the prognosis of cancer patients, the DKFZ cooperates with excellent research institutions and university hospitals throughout Germany:

National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT, 6 sites)
German Cancer Consortium (DKTK, 8 sites)
Hopp Children's Cancer Center (KiTZ) Heidelberg
Helmholtz Institute for Translational Oncology (HI-TRON Mainz) - A Helmholtz Institute of the DKFZ
DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at the University Medical Center Mannheim
National Cancer Prevention Center (jointly with German Cancer Aid)

The DKFZ is 90 percent financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and 10 percent by the state of Baden-Württemberg. The DKFZ is a member of the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers.