4.2. Data Integration
Introduction of a commonly accepted RPPA data standard would also be of high importance in regard to studies dealing with cross-platform data analysis. As the awareness for complex biological regulatory mechanisms grows, there is an increased request for “omics” data integration [40]. Investigation of the interplay between different functional cellular levels and of cellular communication can lead to more complete models of physiological and disease states. This rather holistic systems biology approach can thus lead to more specific and personalized treatment options [41].
However, in order to stimulate integrative and translational research, clinical data sets need to be publicly available and processed with standardized pipelines. In addition, communication of integrative study results and integration with clinical decision-making has to be adapted to the idea of personalized treatments. Nevertheless, cross-platform data integration constitutes a challenging, but highly promising and conclusive concept to advance clinical treatment decisions.