The PLATON Network

The PLATON Network is established as permanent open, multicenter, prospective, cohort study of patients with gastrointestinal cancer. The study design includes a study-specific biobank and a shared platform infrastructure for associated sub-studies and analysis projects. Within PLATON results of genetic tests of different research projects like the PLATON pilot-study (NCT04484636) as well as Next-generation deep sequencing (NGS) according to local protocols will be documented - compiling genomic tumor-profiles including tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI). The PLATON Network infrastructure is designed to increase the likelihood of treating the patients with an individualized therapy in available clinical studies. Therefore, molecular profiling must go hand in hand with inter-linking physicians and increasing inter-centre transparency. The feasibility of this approach will be tested in the PLATON Network, keeping in mind the vision of cancer patients receiving the best available, scientifically founded, biomarker-based care, tailored to his or her individual needs.