Abstract 2598: Paradigm to ensure curation transparency and consistency of a cancer genomic database - the JAX Clinical Knowledgebase (CKB)

Abstract

Abstract In the era of personalized medicine, comprehensive cancer genomic databases represent critical tools for interpreting gene variants and their relevant therapies. As the number of cancer genomic databases grow, it is challenging for users to compare and assess the data integrity and validity of such databases. The lack of disclosure of curation processes makes it difficult to cross reference different databases. The JAX Clinical Knowledgebase (CKB) is a comprehensive relational database providing evidence-based information on gene variants, targeted therapies, efficacy evidence, and clinical trials. At the Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, we have developed a curation paradigm to ensure curation transparency and consistency of the JAX-CKB. First, to ensure standardization of nomenclature, we have integrated standard nomenclature and ontologies, including HGNC approved nomenclatures for genes, HGVS guidelines for variants, and the Disease Ontology for indications/tumor types. Second, we implemented decision matrices to maintain uniformity of our evaluation of scientific and clinical data. For example, evaluation of the effect of gene variants on protein function is solely based on changes in the intrinsic activity of the protein instead of downstream pathway activation or the effects on pathogenesis; the response type of gene variants to therapies are classified based on the evidence of targeting specificity; and the efficacy evidence are further classified as actionable, diagnostic, prognostic, risk factor, emerging, or not active centered on the response type and the strength of the evidence. Third, to provide convenient evaluation of the clinical relevance of efficacy data, we further developed a tier ranking system based on emerging consensus guidelines, which takes response type, evidence type, and approval status into consideration. Finally, all decision matrices are clearly outlined on the JAX-CKB open access website for users’ reference. In summary, we have curated a highly structured and semantically consistent cancer genomic database following a set of specific curation guidelines. As a result, JAX-CKB open access has become a valuable resource for both the clinical and research communities, and is utilized by numerous independent groups for variant interpretation. Citation Format: Taofei Yin, Sara E. Patterson, Cara M. Statz, Anuradha Lakshminarayana, Daniel Durkin, Susan M. Mockus. Paradigm to ensure curation transparency and consistency of a cancer genomic database - the JAX Clinical Knowledgebase (CKB) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2598. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-2598