American Cancer Society to Build Blockchain System for Sharing Clinical Data, Streamlining Processes

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American Cancer Society to Build Blockchain System for Sharing Clinical Data, Streamlining Processes

The American National Cancer Institute approved a blockchain project on June 21st that aims to establish a blockchain system for sharing clinical data.

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The project will develop a blockchain messaging system using IBM Hyperledger for information sharing among various departments, including data collection, storage, and transmission between healthcare providers, patients, and research groups, enabling databases for AI/machine learning applications to improve image processing, analysis, and reconstruction.

The US National Cancer Institute, established in 1937 and funded by the US federal government, serves as a primary institution for cancer research and coordinates the national cancer program.

The association stated:

Traditional clinical data storage and management methods are highly fragmented, causing friction in information exchange for clinical care and hindering large-scale research on emerging technologies like AI/ML. Furthermore, delayed access to health information may impede effective treatment decisions, adversely affecting patient health.

The report points out that medical imaging is a core part of diagnostics in modern healthcare, focusing on "accurate assessment, documenting disease progression, and evaluating patient response to treatment." However, data integration has become increasingly challenging, making streamlining workflows and improving patient care crucial.

The association added:

Past methods of managing clinical data have incurred unnecessary costs, such as redundant tests. Data retrieval and information analysis in the medical field have been slow and complex, posing a global challenge for both advanced and developing countries.

It is understood that the project will commence its trial at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York, USA, utilizing IBM Hyperledger blockchain to share clinical data among healthcare providers, patients, and the research community.

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