Procedures of data merging in precision cancer medicine: the PRIME-ROSE project

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: As more interventional clinical trials in Precision Cancer Medicine (PCM) are introduced, molecular descriptions of tumours have led to multiple subtypes, even within common tumour types. Therefore, the main limitation of these trials is the small number of eligible patients to assess the clinical benefit. The PRIME-ROSE project addresses this limitation by pooling data from multiple European Drug Rediscovery Protocol (DRUP)-like clinical trials, such that slowly accruing cohorts are accelerated. To achieve this task, a well-documented commonly approved procedure for data merging needs to be established. Patient/material and methods: Data sharing is achievable when there is an organisation that includes people from different disciplines who can navigate institutional and country-specific information and governance requirements. Furthermore, alignment of all the study procedures are needed before data are shared. Next, the process of merging data requires harmonisation and standardisation. Implementation of the Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) Common Data Model (CDM) facilitates future data aggregation. RESULTS: By aggregating data from European DRUP-like clinical trials, cohorts are completed that were unable to do so in stand-alone studies. Since initiation, the PRIME-ROSE project monitors over 300 cohorts across more than 20 treatments encompassing over 1,000 patients. At least 20 cohorts have progressed after interim analysis. INTERPRETATION: Data sharing across European trials is feasible and enhances the advancements of PCM studies. The methodologies developed in the PRIME-ROSE project provide a foundation for future data integration efforts in PCM clinical trials, underscoring the viability of conducting robust trials in a global context.