A Computer Data Base for Information on Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The Physician Data Query (PDQ) system is a clinically oriented computer data base developed to make recent information on cancer treatment widely available to the medical community. It represents an effort by the National Cancer Institute to promote diffusion of information about the treatment of cancer throughout the country, facilitate access to clinical trials, and accelerate the practical application of advances in research. The computer system provides information about state-of-the-art cancer treatment, which is updated monthly by an editorial board. It also includes a file of active cancer-research protocols and a directory of physicians and organizations providing cancer care to which physicians can gain access by geographic location as well as other features. PDQ was designed for physicians who may not be familiar with computers, to permit them to search for and display information without learning a specialized search language. PDQ uses a computer mainframe, which allows a large amount of data to be stored and made available to physicians rapidly and accurately. Transmission of information about cancer over commercial telecommunication networks gives health professionals access to PDQ by means of a computer terminal and local telephone lines.