A new standardized data collection system for brain stereotactic external radiotherapy: The PRE.M.I.S.E project

Background: In recent years, novel radiation therapy techniques have moved clinical practice toward tailored medicine. An essential role is played by the decision support system, which requires a standardization of data collection. The Aim of the Prediction Models In Stereotactic External radiotherapy (PRE.M.I.S.E.) project is the implementation of systems that analyze heterogeneous datasets. This article presents the project design, focusing on brain stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). Materials & methods: First, raw ontology was defined by exploiting semiformal languages (block and entity relationship diagrams) and the natural language; then, it was transposed in a Case Report Form, creating a storage system. Results: More than 130 brain SRT's variables were selected. The dedicated software Beyond Ontology Awareness (BOA-Web) was set and data collection is ongoing. Conclusion: The PRE.M.I.S.E. project provides standardized data collection for a specific radiation therapy technique, such as SRT. Future aims are: including other centers and validating an extracranial SRT ontology. Lay abstract Radiotherapy moves clinical practice toward tailored medicine, where a decision support system is essential. The Prediction Models In Stereotactic External radiotherapy (PRE.M.I.S.E) project aims to implement a system that can analyze heterogeneous datasets. This article presents the project design for brain stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT). First, a raw ontology, which is a classification system where uniform and nonambiguous definitions represent each variable and all their relationships, was defined by exploiting semiformal and natural language. It was then it was transposed in a case report form, setting a storage system. More than 130 brain SRT's variables were selected. The dedicated software BOA-Web (Beyond Ontology Awareness) was set. PRE.M.I.S.E. provides standardized data collection for SRT. Future aims are: including other centers and validating an extracranial SRT ontology.