Affiliations: Department of Medical Informatics, Biometrics and
Epidemiology (IBE), University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, D-81377 Munich,
Germany Tel.: +49-89-7095-4497; Fax: +49-89-7095-7491; Email:
[email protected], URL: http://martin-dugas.de | Department of Internal Medicine III, University
Hospital of Munich, Germany, Marchioninistr. 15, D-81377 Munich, Germany
Note: [] Corresponding author
Abstract: To assess the relevance of molecular markers it is required to
combine clinical and genetic information. For reliable assessment of parameters
relevant to diagnostics and therapy large patient collectives must be
characterized both with respect to phenotype and genotype. Matching of genetic
data like gene expression profiles, molecular genetics and cytogenetics with
clinical data like follow-up, morphological findings and diagnoses involves
integration of complex databases. In the context of a nationwide leukemia
research network in Germany we designed an integrated database covering both
genetic and clinical data of patients. The system contains follow-up data and
relevant laboratory modalities, i. e. cytomorphology, cytogenetics, molecular
genetics, FISH, immunophenotyping and gene expression profiling. So far 13541
cases from 7746 patients treated by 1225 physicians are documented. The data
structure consists of up to 888 variables per case. From our experience,
integration of clinical and genetic information requires significant efforts -
including data protection issues -, but is feasible and improves data quality
leading to faster and more reliable research results for the benefit of the
patients.
