IBM collaborates with cancer research institution

IBM and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) are building a state-of-the-art integrated information management system to improve the ability of clinicians and researchers to study long-term cancer-related illnesses, identify disease trends and determine success rates.

Funded by a $3 million grant of technology and services from IBM, MSKCC will include a comprehensive system to integrate its hospital data with text mining and related analytical capabilities into a unified information management environment to facilitate predictive analysis and research.

In addition, pathologists at MSKCC are working closely with researchers at IBM to create a searchable database for pathology reports.

“This is an excellent multi-sector model that can drive integration of molecular medicine into areas where it’s truly needed, including cancer detection, treatment, and ultimately prevention,” said Dr Anna Barker, deputy director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). “The convergence of advanced technologies and post-genomics science will change cancer medicine in ways we cannot yet envision.”

IBM is also teaming up with the Molecular Profiling Institute and the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center under separate agreements to accelerate cancer research, diagnosis and treatment.