Research projects
We support two types of projects: projects aimed at generating data for the expansion of the database, and projects that focus on research into tumor types and genetic characteristics to improve the (targeted) treatment of patients. We always work closely with relevant expert stakeholders and research partners to achieve the maximum synergy between expertise and interests.
GENAYA
The GENAYA project uses the latest techniques to reveal the complete DNA of the tumors of 1,000 patients aged between 18 and 39. This allows treatments to be tailored to the specific tumor characteristics of each patient. The genetic information and treatment data are stored in the Hartwig Medical Database (with the patient’s consent) and made available for scientific research.
This age group is known as the AYAs: Adolescents and Young Adults. GENAYA stands for ‘A national database of GENome data of Adolescent and Young Adult cancers’. The project builds on the COMPRAYA infrastructure that is funded by the Dutch Cancer Society.
Partners: grants from the Dutch Cancer Society; in collaboration with the COMPRAYA consortium and academic medical centers
Project duration: 2022-2026
Number of patients: 1,000
DRUP
The DRUP study (Drug Rediscovery Protocol) is a clinical trial for patients with advanced or metastatic cancer for whom no standard treatment is available. In the DRUP study, we are investigating whether a targeted therapy designed for other cancer types, but with the same cancer cell characteristics, could be effective for these patients. A survey revealed that one third of the patients treated in the DRUP study benefited from the drug they received as part of the trial.
Partners: NKI/AvL and 35 participating hospitals
Project duration: launched in 2016
Number of patients: as of June 13, there were 3,149 submissions, and 56% of them started treatment in the DRUP trial, still growing, dependent on subcohort studies.
ACTIN
For patients with metastatic cancer, multiple systemic treatment options may be available at a certain moment in time. In treatment decision making, the oncologist and patient discuss the treatment options including a prediction of expected treatment benefit for the specific patient, and weigh the benefit against potential negative side-effects.
Within ACTIN (Algorithmic Cancer Treatment Initiative), the aim is to develop a system to support oncologists and patients in treatment decision making.
Partners: Erasmus MC, NKI-AvL, UMC Utrecht
Project launched in summer 2021
Project HealthReWireD
Within the HealthReWireD project, healthcare professionals collaborate to improve and personalize oncology care by making smarter use of patient data. The aim is to enable personalized treatment recommendations for every patient by learning from the experiences and outcomes of other patients.
HealthReWireD is a collaboration between the regional oncology network Oncomid, Hartwig Medical Foundation, and the Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL). By linking clinical patient data with molecular information obtained from tumour DNA-analyses, the project provides deeper insight into which treatments are most effective for specific groups of patients.
To make this possible, HealthReWireD is developing an efficient data infrastructure that enables data from hospital Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to become automatically available for care evaluation and research purposes. In addition, healthcare professionals are jointly defining a Minimum Clinical Dataset (MCD) to ensure consistent and high-quality data collection.
The project initially focuses on patients with metastatic colorectal cancer and metastatic lung cancer.
More information: https://oncomid.nl/project-health-rewired/
We are proud that we succeeded in implementing the complete DNA test in standard of care diagnostics, together with Hartwig Medical Foundation. Moreover, the test produces vital information for a learning healthcare system in oncology. We will be able to treat future patients even more effectively.