title: Connection of European particle therapy centers and generation of a common particle database system within the European ULICE-framework.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  To establish a common database on particle therapy for the evaluation of clinical studies integrating a large variety of voluminous datasets, different documentation styles, and various information systems, especially in the field of radiation oncology.
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a web-based documentation system for transnational and multicenter clinical studies in particle therapy. 560 patients have been treated from November 2009 to September 2011. Protons, carbon ions or a combination of both, as well as a combination with photons were applied. To date, 12 studies have been initiated and more are in preparation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  It is possible to immediately access all patient information and exchange, store, process, and visualize text data, any DICOM images and multimedia data. Accessing the system and submitting clinical data is possible for internal and external users. Integrated into the hospital environment, data is imported both manually and automatically. Security and privacy protection as well as data validation and verification are ensured. Studies can be designed to fit individual needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described database provides a basis for documentation of large patient groups with specific and specialized questions to be answered. Having recently begun electronic documentation, it has become apparent that the benefits lie in the user-friendly and timely workflow for documentation. The ultimate goal is a simplification of research work, better study analyses quality and eventually, the improvement of treatment concepts by evaluating the effectiveness of particle therapy.
authors: Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
authors: Kerstin A
authors: KA
authors: Kessel
authors: Nina
authors: N
authors: Bougatf
authors: Christian
authors: C
authors: Bohn
authors: Daniel
authors: D
authors: Habermehl
authors: Dieter
authors: D
authors: Oetzel
authors: Rolf
authors: R
authors: Bendl
authors: Uwe
authors: U
authors: Engelmann
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Orecchia
authors: Piero
authors: P
authors: Fossati
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Pötter
authors: Manjit
authors: M
authors: Dosanjh
authors: Jürgen
authors: J
authors: Debus
authors: Stephanie E
authors: SE
authors: Combs
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004282:Documentation / Q000379:methods*; D005060:Europe; D063193:Heavy Ion Radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D017785:Photons / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018787:Radiation Oncology