COMPASS (Comprehensive ‘Omics Informs Precision Action and Diagnosis in Sarcoma) is a VIB Grand Challenges project that aims to transform sarcoma diagnosis by replacing fragmented genetic testing with a comprehensive multi-omics approach. Current diagnostic methods often provide limited insight and still fail to deliver a diagnosis in up to 20% of cases. COMPASS addresses this challenge by integrating genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data from tumors into a single, validated workflow that better supports clinical decision-making and patient care.

By simultaneously analyzing DNA, RNA, and proteins, COMPASS will identify new actionable biomarkers, deepen understanding of sarcoma biology, and generate personalized patient reports to guide optimal treatment strategies. The project combines advanced laboratory techniques with innovative computational tools and secure cloud technologies, ensuring responsible data sharing and analysis.
 

ELIXIR Belgium/VIB Data Core plays a central role in managing the project’s data according to best practices and in alignment with the current and upcoming European initiatives and regulations. As a partner in the European Genomic Data Infrastructure (GDI) project, the infrastructure and the GA4GH standards will be used to make data available through controlled access. To facilitate discovery and access to data, a Beacon will be set up and integrated in the Beacon v2 network. Data management planning will be coordinated using the Data Stewardship Wizard, an ELIXIR-recommended interoperability resource, ensuring FAIR data practices and the long-term sustainability of COMPASS data.