The 5th Consortium Meeting of the DIOPTRA Project took place in the charming city of Graz, Austria, hosted by the clinical partner Medical University of Graz. After the initial welcome and greetings from the project’s coordinator, Professor Matsopoulos on behalf of ICCS, project management considerations were addressed, including a preliminary outlook on future work, challenges, and priorities.
Objectives, legal considerations, and communication updates
On the first day, technical objectives were discussed, including the partners’ efforts to achieve them. The discussions focused on developing a comprehensive methodology for identifying biomarkers related to colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in discovering biomarkers and risk factors for CRC. Progress on risk assessment was also reviewed, with the technical team showcasing its various modules for risk assessment and their refinement. Regarding synergies, the work of the cluster was presented, including details on future collaboration.
The new EU Health Data Space Regulation (EHDS), which aims to facilitate the exchange of electronic health data across the EU, was also introduced, discussing data privacy and security considerations. Additionally, a comprehensive communication and dissemination update was provided, with a key focus on CRC Awareness Month’s activities (occured in March), and future steps to engage a broad range of stakeholders. Updates were also given on cost-effectiveness analysis, policy-making, and exploitation measures. The first day included a tour of the hospital’s Biobank, where partners explained the storage process and demonstrated the equipment used.
Patient considerations and steps ahead
The second day focused on updates to the DIOPTRA mobile app, with particular emphasis on its design, which prioritises flexibility and interoperability for integration with other healthcare platforms and users’ features. Clinical partners highlighted the project’s focus on putting patients’ well-being at center stage and shared clinical considerations, stressing a strong commitment to revolutionising screening and enhancing early CRC detection.
The meeting set the stage for continued progress in colorectal cancer research and personalised healthcare solutions, providing a clear path forward until the next consortium meeting.
