Liver Cancer Network Database: A Web Portal for Liver Cancer Research at the University of Kentucky

Abstract

In the United States, particularly the state of Kentucky, the percentage of persons infected by hepatitis has been increasing. This has been causing a corresponding increase in liver cancer, which as of 2002 had climbed to be the 12th leading cause of death in the United States. This trend has raised concerns in the cancer research community regarding the awareness of hepatitis, liver cancer, and the connection these conditions share. To address these concerns, we have assisted the Liver Cancer Program at the University of Kentucky by developing the database for collecting liver cancer related data. The Liver Cancer Network (LCN) Database, a research effort sponsored by the Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN), and involving both undergraduate and graduate students, will aid in helping break new ground in the fight against hepatitis and liver cancer. The database uses modern technologies, convenient user interfaces and its development addresses security issues