[December 12, 2013]

Truven Health Analytics Brings Big Data to Oncology Research

Truven Health Analytics™ today announced the availability of its MarketScan® Oncology Electronic Medical Records (EMR) Database for oncology focused research studies. The database provides a comprehensive view of clinical data from electronic medical records (EMR) for cancer patients.

"With the large number of recent technological breakthroughs in the cancer field, there is an urgent need for well-equipped researchers to conduct quality investigations on the resulting changes in practice patterns and outcomes in treated patients," said Stacey Long, vice president and general manager at Truven Health Analytics. "To conduct a robust research study, one really needs the right data source combined with an experienced researcher guiding the study design and execution. I am thrilled that Truven Health can now deliver on both of these fronts in a much larger capacity for our clients."

The MarketScan Oncology EMR Database is part of the Truven Health family of MarketScan Research Databases, which contain de-identified healthcare claims data reflecting the real-world medical care of over 185 million unique patients since 1995. For decades, researchers from government, industry, and academia have relied on these databases to analyze the cost of care, evaluate the efficacy of medical treatments, understand prescription drug utilization patterns, and research other important healthcare issues. The new database contains de-identified patient and treatment data for over a half a million unique patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

Based on data from the MarketScan Oncology EMR Database, researchers will be able to analyze clinical information on the cancer treatment experience of oncology patients throughout the U.S., including information on cancer type and stage by region of the country, understand the use of biomarker tests and their impact on treatment decisions, and explore reasons for treatment discontinuation. The MarketScan Oncology EMR Database will facilitate research that is tailored to specific patient sub-populations.

"Given the rapid pace of innovation in cancer treatments, and the growing focus on patient populations with specific biomarkers, new research-ready data sources are essential for answering real world research questions aimed at getting the right treatment to the right patient at the right time," said Kathleen Foley, senior director of strategic consulting at Truven Health Analytics. "The Truven Health MarketScan Oncology EMR Database addresses these needs by creating a standardized database with the quality and reliability that customers have come to expect from the MarketScan family of databases."

For more information on Truven Health oncology research solutions, click here.

About Truven Health Analytics:

Truven Health Analytics delivers unbiased information, analytic tools, benchmarks and services to the healthcare industry. Hospitals, government agencies, employers, health plans, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies have relied on its solutions for over 30 years. Truven Health Analytics combines deep clinical, financial and healthcare management expertise with innovative technology platforms and information assets to make healthcare better, collaborating with customers to uncover and realize opportunities for improving quality, efficiency, and outcomes. Truven Health Analytics owns some of the most trusted, proven brands in healthcare such as Micromedex, Action OI and Advantage Suite. Truven Health Analytics employs approximately 2,000 people worldwide and has its principal offices in Ann Arbor, Mich; Chicago; and Denver. For more information, please visit www.truvenhealth.com.

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