A human body is a minefield of data (and so is the world)…. imagine a time when a common thread, within a vast network of knowledge encompasses and interconnects all of us, to fulfil gaps in healthcare problem and their existing solutions…!

The impact of cancer on a patient, their family and society is beyond measure.

While many labs and institutes are tirelessly working towards a cure of cancer, attempting to decipher their behaviour, biology, genetics, natural history, outcome etc., these efforts are largely in silos. Only few genetic abnormalities in glioblastoma are known, with many more unknown; most succumb to disease within 14 months; yet there are few like John (John Ostrom, 1964-2024) who cannot even tolerate radiation-chemotherapy, and like a shockwave to those who love him, succumbed to cancer far too soon; and there are those who achieve reasonable treatment response; and surprisingly enough, a few healthy long-term survivors. Wonder why….?

The outcome of glioblastoma has not changed since its early knowledge (now almost a century), and yet the world of surgeons, scientists, innovators worldwide struggle to find answers.

And what about other brain cancers (or cancers and disease in general afflicting populations alike) – benign, malignant, metastatic (distant tumour travel from skin, lungs or kidney…)? Do these contribute to one’s disease behaviour or that of others suffering similar cancer? Is there a hidden link based on their genetic make-up, or that of their family members’ or that of the populations or geographical distribution… or even work or travel history?

Led by Dr. Garnette Sutherland, Professor of Neurosurgery and globally known technology innovator/inventor, the data innovation team committed to brain tumor  at Project neuroArm-University of Calgary (coinciding well with Dr. Sutherland’s new responsibility in directing the Surgical Neuro-oncology team in Calgary),  believes that the answer may squarely lie in the world of data.

This research team (with a track record of translating research innovations to the operating room (OR), for widespread clinical adoption), has created a unique brain tumor-specific foundational data architecture (built on knowledge graph), called INTERCONNECTIVITY. Building upon a state-of-the-art graph data infrastructure for their smart surgical system, INTERCONNECTIVITY is a knowledge-driven intelligent software platform, architected to accommodate and weave through all linked information on a given patient, make connections, and extract meaningful information. The system is architected with graph-based representation of data as nodes, interposed with proprietary generative knowledge extraction algorithm (a custom-AI model), able to derive intelligent reasoning taking into account its global pool of similar information, e.g. the NIH, clinicaltrials.gov, the basket trial, WHO etc.

A dynamic digital data repository that grows with each new patient receiving care, INTERCONNECTIVITY can update itself, getting better with incremental data or patients added to its dynamic digital repository. Built to expand, with robust foundational platform, this vision is novel, the model real, and incorporates evolving advances at global scale. Quite literally a human-brain like network of data connectivity across disease and patient-specific data nodes, INTERCONNECTIVITY looks towards deciphering patient-specific problem of brain cancer, with contextual details, including what may be unknown or never thought of. With glioblastoma as its index node, an incurable brain cancer to date, the platform will encompass data from many patients like John Ostrom to fulfil gaps in knowledge, and utilize every known data out there, towards exploring and advancing comprehensive cure for glioblastoma and perhaps all cancers!

Using patient data, e.g. MR imaging, tumor pathology/genetic characteristics, past medical history, other disease or surgery (a remote biopsy of a mole, or tooth extraction…), clinical status before and after surgery, age, race-heritage, occupational history, history of family illnesses, travel history, geo-graphical linkage, to name a few, INTERCONNECTIVITY is taking shape, one node at a time.  

In an era when solutions are expected to be built for communities and applicable across global spectrum, INTERCONNECTIVITY is such a solution!

To find out more or meet with this team or tour Dr. Sutherland’s Project neuroArm research facility, please visit: https://neuroarm.org/connect-support-grow