PROJECT GENE-BRIDGE: A British-Swedish Data Bridge to Leverage Childhood Cancer Research
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Region Skåne - Skånes Universitetssjukhus |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 925 432 |
| Project duration | November 2024 - October 2025 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Preparation projects for international application within health |
| Call | Towards deeper collaboration with UK and USA partners within Health and Life Science |
Important results from the project
The goals were largely met. We carried out an extensive, joint collection of comparative data from our patient cohorts and the results are currently being compiled. Instead of exchanging raw data, we found simpler ways of collaborating that gave equivalent results. We developed solutions around the exchange of anonymized metadata and federated learning. The project also expanded to also involve France Médécine Génomique, which greatly increased the common patient cohort.
Expected long term effects
The results are of great importance for health economic analysis and prioritization in pediatric cancer care. Our data strongly suggest that older diagnostic methods can be phased out in favor of new technologies without compromising patient safety. Until now, cancer samples from children have been analyzed in parts of Sweden and throughout the United Kingdom using several parallel methods, here we show that the the older of these can often be removed.
Approach and implementation
The project was implemented with regular digital meetings, a workshop in Sweden and a meeting in Cambridge. The activities focused on comparing working methods between the countries and the collection of a common data series for evaluation of diagnostic methods. A report/scientific article is being compiled. The approach worked well. The only delay was the signing of a contract from a British partner due to the responsible contact person leaving, and replacing him took some time.