IKNL, Palga and Farminform launch pilot to gain insights into the use of molecular diagnostics and drugs

IKNL, Palga and Farminform will collaborate intensively in the coming period. A pilot will explore how protocols for molecular diagnostics and connecting different data sources (NKR, Palga and Farminform) can jointly contribute to obtaining more insight for research into more appropriate and effective care, especially for the more efficient use of new and expensive drugs.

The ultimate goal is to explore whether (steering) information or a practice monitor can be generated with medication and therapy outcomes through a cBioPortal.

A cBioPortal is a web-based resource designed for exploring, visualising and analysing cancer genomics data. It provides information for a wide range of cancer research questions and datasets, allowing researchers and stakeholders to search, download and analyse data, including mutations and genetic changes.

By signing the cooperation agreement, Thijs Merkx, IKNL board chairman and Luuk Renfurm, Farminform director, confirmed the start of this project.

IKNL (Integral Cancer Centre Netherlands), keeper of the Dutch Cancer Registry (NKR), wants to identify in this trajectory whether its registration burden can be reduced, and whether by integrating datasets/protocols from Palga, as data supplier towards NKR and DICA, the increasing complex questions about efficient use of drugs can be answered.

Palga Foundation is contributing in this process as infrastructure partner and manager of the national pathology database. In close coordination with the pathology field, Palga is exploring how pathology data can be linked to other data sources in a responsible and transparent way, for the purpose of answering relevant research questions and supporting healthcare practice.

Farminform is the national, reliable and independent data trust for medicines and pharmaceutical care. Farminform also facilitates secure data exchange for healthcare providers, governments and industry and initiates various forms of cooperation with the aim of “effectively answering clinical care questions and contributing to appropriate medicine use”.

For more information, please contact:
IKNL: Martin van Mierloo, m.vanmierloo@iknl.nl
Farminform: Luuk Renfurm, farminform@farminform.nl