Bioinformatics is critical for any cancer center, allowing researchers to tap the ever-growing data sets afforded by new cancer research technologies. However daunting, massive data sets are being created, must be analyzed, and need to be related to translational and clinical end points. LCCC expertise in this area began with the genomics program, particularly gene expression microarray analysis. By necessity, the personnel, computational infrastructure, and broad faculty expertise was built through internal and external recruitment. In the last three years, capabilities rapidly expanded to capture clinical data and annotate specimens. The Lineberger Data Warehouse (LDW) was created to allow Interactive use of multiple oracle based data repositories. With this expanded staff and mission, the genomics and bioinformatics were divided into two resources. The relationships between the Bioinformatics, Biostatistics and Data Management, Genomics and the new Next Generation and Genotyping Core will be seamless. The Bioinformatics Core's goals are to continue to provide bioinformatics tools, databases for the storage and analysis of genomic data, for the storage and analysis of clinical/patient data, and to provide tools to link these distinct data types together to foster translational research discoveries. Incorporation of new entities, such as the Cancer Survivorship Cohort, is occurring. The key element remains the Bioinformatics Core Central Patient Registry which provides and tracks all patients after assigning a unique research identifier. The group has significant experience with genomic database development and curation, genomic data analysis and tool development, clinical database development, and linking these together through the LDW. The core will expand capabilities to include new genomic platforms and new clinical databases/tumor types. The core requests $270,568, representing 13% of its total operating costs to accomplish its ambitious goals. All core use in 2009 was by members. The co-directors, Drs. Perou and Hayes, are leaders in genomic analysis and its integration with clinical endpoints.
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