The Information Technology Branch (ITB)

The Information Technology Branch (ITB) manages a diverse set of cancer-related databases to support ongoing research efforts of the DTP. ITB employs modern software and hardware facilities to provide support for DTP and engages in collaborative research to promote adoption of AI methodology in data analytics and data integration. ITB provides computational chemistry and molecular modeling support for DTP and DCTD projects. ITB is also primarily responsible for preparing DTP data for release to the research community. In its most recent work, ITB has been adopting genAI tools to support data extraction from unstructured text documents, adding natural language querying to data warehouses, and in adoption of “co-scientist” platforms for experimental design and hypothesis generation by DCTD scientists.

DCTD Pharmacological Data Warehouse

The DCTD Pharmacological Dashboard and Data Warehouse provides a central location for harmonization of data from various research efforts at DTP and DCTD. In this manner, we hope to provide users a one-stop shop for data on compounds that have been tested at DTP.

HTS-384 NCI-60 Human Tumor Cell Lines Screen

ITB has partnered with the Molecular Pharmacology Branch (MPB) to develop the web-based applications and database that assist MPB’s NCI60 Cell Lines and Organoids Screening Laboratory with running the NCI60 cell line cancer screen. The screen is run on a regular schedule to evaluate new agents submitted by investigators. This is in production.

Studies in Applications of AI at DTP

ITB staff are working to facilitate and implement solutions that leverage AI tools such as Large Language Models (LLM) in multiple research areas. This is an ongoing and growing effort, as the technology in this area is expanding rapidly in breadth and depth.