This session presents Oslo University Hospital's experience in a multi-center, federated research project as part of the DigiCore network. It will focus on how OMOP CDM was used to support a retrospective real-world evidence study on non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in collaboration with other leading cancer centers.

Introduction to DigiCore and DigiONE

The DigiCore network is a pan-European research initiative aimed at accelerating precision oncology research through harmonized, real-world data. The DigiONE pilot project established a federated research network to enable large-scale oncology studies while maintaining data privacy and regulatory compliance.

Study Overview: Survival Outcomes in mNSCLC by Metastasis Location

This specific study analyzed retrospective routine care data from OMOP databases at three centers, assessing overall survival (OS) differences based on metastasis patterns. The cohort included 1,294 mNSCLC patients diagnosed between 2018 and 2022, with OS estimates generated through a federated Kaplan-Meier analysis.

Experiences from Oslo University Hospital Implementing OMOP

Oslo University Hospital integrated multiple data sources into OMOP to support the study. This required aligning multiple data sources, overcoming technical and legal challenges, and refining data governance workflows to support international research collaboration.

Federated Analysis and Key Findings

The study used privacy-preserving federated analytics, applying Gaussian-noised survival times to reduce re-identification risks. The analysis revealed significant differences in survival outcomes based on metastasis location, with patients having multiple metastases (excluding the brain) showing the shortest median OS (5.88 months), while those with contralateral lung or pleura-only metastases had the longest OS (17.81 months).

Challenges and Solutions in a Multi-Center Network

The session will discuss local and network-wide challenges, including data standardization, validation across institutions, and regulatory compliance. Solutions implemented to bridge internal data integration efforts with collaborative research frameworks will be shared.

Outcomes and Lessons Learned

The federated research approach demonstrated the feasibility and value of OMOP-based multi-center oncology studies. The session will conclude with key takeaways from Oslo University Hospital’s experience, along with recommendations for institutions interested in OMOP-based federated research.