AUSTIN, Texas, May 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The childhood cancer research computing cluster created and donated by Dell for the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is ready to support the world’s first precision medicine clinical trial for pediatric cancer. The computation performance of the cluster is expected to accelerate analysis and identification of targeted treatments beyond initial projections.

Oncologists from the Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma Translational Research Consortium (NMTRC) and biomedical researchers from TGen will use the new high performance computing and collaboration cloud to identify targeted treatments for pediatric cancer patients based on the specific genetic vulnerabilities of each child’s tumor–an approach that could be used to treat many pediatric and adult cancers in the future.

Dell’s team has completed the high performance computing cluster that will serve as the cloud’s computational foundation and basis for a private cloud. When equipped with Dell’s latest server technology–the PowerEdge M420–and a parallel approach to computation, TGen can analyze comprehensively a patient’s tumor RNA profile in one day versus the seven days that were previously required–an important advantage in the battle against aggressive childhood cancers. With the dedicated computing cluster in place, Dell will begin to connect the biomedical researchers sequencing and analyzing patient tumors at TGen in Arizona with oncologists providing treatment to patients participating in the trial at 11 medical centers. The new cloud will eliminate the need to express mail hard drives containing tumor and diagnostic images and genomic sequencing data between locations.

There has been only one new treatment for pediatric cancer approved by the FDA since the 1980s, compared with 50 treatments approved for adult cancer in this same timeframe. As a result, pediatric oncologists have relied upon treatments designed for adults, with toxic side effects that are frequently as physically detrimental to the child as the cancer itself. Precision medicine can overcome these barriers with treatments that target the specific vulnerabilities of each child’s tumor, leaving healthy cells untouched.

In related news, the NMTRC welcomed Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin, Texas, to its membership and the list of hospitals participating in the clinical trial as it continues to expand medical center participation in the US and globally. And Ronald McDonald House Charities announced Dell’s contribution of $100,000 to support Ronald McDonald houses in 14 cities and the families who rely upon them when they are away from home for treatment.

Dell’s donations of cloud computing to TGen for the precision medicine clinical trial and funds to Ronald McDonald House Charities are part of the company’s multiyear, multimillion dollar commitment of technology, funding and employee engagement to improve childhood cancer treatment globally.

Quotes

“There is no time to waste for children and families battling aggressive and deadly cancers like neuroblastoma,” said James Coffin, Ph.D., vice president and general manager, Dell Healthcare and Life Sciences. “That’s why Dell is focused on driving results faster–faster than our initial projections–for TGen and NMTRC so that they accelerate time-to-targeted treatment for children participating in the clinical trial and can open participation to more children over time.”

“This conference provides a great opportunity for researchers, clinicians and families to assess the state of pediatric cancer care today,” said Dr. Jeffrey Trent, TGen’s President and Research Director. “The collaborative model behind this conference is a great example of how through partnerships we can positively move research and treatment forward at a pace not seen before.”

“On behalf of the NMTRC, we are incredibly thankful for Dell’s support and expertise to help in the care of our patients,” said Giselle Sholler, Co-Director of the Pediatric Oncology Translational Research Program at the Van Andel Institute. “This meeting will bring together the top physicians, researchers and parent advocates working collaboratively to accelerate the search for a cure.”

Additional Information:

@DellHealth on Twitter Dell Powering the Possible NMTRC.org NMTRC Participating HospitalsVirtual Press Kit TGen

About Dell

Dell Inc. DELL -0.50% listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. Dell’s Powering the Possible program is funded by the company’s pledge to contribute 1 percent of its pre-tax profits to learning, pediatric cancer, innovative social entrepreneurship and disaster relief initiatives that address unmet needs globally and enable human potential. Information about Dell Powering the Possible is available at www.dell.com/pediactriccancer .

As the leading provider of healthcare IT services in the world, Dell helps healthcare organizations harness the power of information to simplify administration; coordinate and manage patient care; transition from episodic care to prevention and wellness management and ultimately to deliver personalized medicine.

About TGen

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix, Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research for life changing results. Research at TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of translational research where investigators are able to unravel the genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For more information, visit: www.tgen.org .

About the Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma Translational Research Consortium

Founded in 2008, the NMTRC is a nationwide network of childhood cancer trials based at the Van Andel Research Institute and chaired by Dr. Giselle Sholler. The consortium includes the following clinical partners: Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine; Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando; Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics; Connecticut Children’s Medical Center; Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health & Science University; Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital; Levine Children’s Hospital; Medical University of South Carolina; National Cancer Institute; Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, UCSD School of Medicine and the University of Hawaii Cancer Center.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=50280743&lang=en

SOURCE: Dell Inc. and Translational Genomics Research Institute

        Dell Inc.
        Cathie Hargett, 512-750-0996
        Cathie_Hargett@dell.com
        or
        Amanda Engler, 512-723-7381
        or
        TGen
        Galen Perry, 602-377-4734
        gperry@tgen.org
        or
        Steve Yozwiak, 602-343-8704
        syozwiak@tgen.org

Pediatric cancer remains the number one disease killer of American children, with about 35 children diagnosed every day. However, since 1980, the Food and Drug Association (FDA) has approved only one new drug for treatment of childhood cancer, compared to 50 for adults.

This is often a result of pharmaceutical companies hesitancy to develop drugs for rare pediatric diseases because it requires making an investment in products that are unlikely to cover the high costs associated with their research, development, marketing and distribution. Developing products for children is particularly challenging because of the difficulties associated with conducting clinical trials on this patient population. 

However, Congressmen Michael McCaul of Texas and G.K. Butterfield of North Carolina have recently authored a provision to combat this particular issue.

Yesterday, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved The Creating Hope Act of 2011, which will incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for children with rare pediatric diseases, such as childhood cancers.

“Children living with these life threatening conditions need access to newly developed drugs,” said Congressman Butterfield.  ”Whether a disease is rare or common, the need for effective care and potential cures is the same. The Creating Hope Act provides a much-needed incentive to promote research and development that will ultimately save lives.”

According to Congressman McCaul, The Creating Hope Act will offer the best chance of encouraging pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments for children at no cost to taxpayers.

“This legislation will give hope to countless numbers of children and their families who are unable to treat their disease because of a lack of adequate treatments,” said Congressman McCaul.

For more information on The Creating Hope Act you can click here.