[Effective data collection in cancer research: an all-in-one database solution].

Abstract

Tissue banks containing human malignant and benign tissue have become highly important for modem cancer research. They provide an excellent source of information with respect to pathological states and processes. Nowadays tissue samples can be examined using a broad variety of molecular biology methods, at the levels of DNA, RNA and protein. However, these new possibilities impose great expectations from the user side towards tissue banks and their associated databases. Nowadays a database that only manages tissue samples is not timely anymore. In fact a modern database should be capable of registering arbitraty amounts of tissue relevant information in an easily searchable way. In order to simplify the often complicated and time consuming process of data collection, we have developed a software solution that centralizes various aspects of tumor tissue banking. The main task of this software is not only to administer tissue samples but also to provide a centralized data platform for scientists which support their research. To achieve our goals we have constructed a tissue database which is supported by an Oracle System. The access to this database has been made possible with a light-weight, self-developed Java Client Program. The system possesses high levels of security and the access to information in the database is strictly controlled by preset permissions. A flexible search mechanism is also readily available for speedy data extraction according to various criteria. This solution provides us with an "All-in-one" tool for the purpose of flexible and efficient data collection and management in cancer research.