A Web Based integration of Epidemiology and Human Papilloma Virus Questionnaire Data to Head and Neck Neoplasm Database
Waqas Amin ; University of Pittsburgh;
Content:
The University of Pittsburgh SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) Head and Neck Virtual Biorepository is a distinctive tissue bank informatics initiative that provides clinically annotated biospecimens through a web-based interface that facilitates researchers identification of available, clinically annotated biospecimens. Head and Neck Neoplasm Virtual Biorepository Epidemiology (Project-1 Study) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) study questionnaires capture patient epidemiological and sexual behavior information and allow integration with annotated clinicopathology data.
Technology:
The web-based interface provides both data entry and electronic data load along with metadata-driven robust data query capabilities for study questionnaires which is supported in a three-tiered architecture and implemented on an Oracle Application Server on a Compaq DL360 Server running Win2K with SP. The application utilizes the Oracle http server and mod_plsql extensions to generate dynamic pages from the Oracle database server to the users. The data warehouse is implemented using the Oracle 10g Enterprise Edition on a SunFire V880 Server running Solaris 2.8.
Design:
The Project-1 interviewer-administered and HPV self-administered study questionnaires capture patient epidemiological and sexual behavior information. The annotation tool provides for manual data entry and query on de-identified information obtained from these questionnaires within the data warehouse through a point and click interface that internally integrates with annotated clinicopathology data sources (Cancer Registry information system and coPath plus).
Results:
The integrated database provides subject epidemiological information from the Project 1 questionnaire, subject sexual behavior from the HPV study questionnaire, clinical and pathologic data, and links to laboratory correlates including HPV status for authorized users.
Conclusion:
The head and neck neoplasm virtual biorepository with robust translational biomedical informatics provides support to facilitate basic science, clinical, and translational research. The Head and Neck data query tool acts as a central source providing a mechanism for researchers to efficiently and effectively find clinically annotated data sets and biospecimens relevant to their research areas. The tool protects patient privacy by revealing only de-identified data according to HIPPA regulations. The data disclosure is strictly regulated by user's authorization.
