DaVinci is a dynamic, modular framework designed for interactive data exploration and visualization in clinical research. It is particularly intended to support exploratory biomarker analysis and safety review during study conduct. The framework's modules function as building blocks that can be combined to create customized R/Shiny applications, tailored to specific clinical trial and research project needs. DaVinci offers a variety of functionalities, including the ability to plot, for example, heatmaps, waterfall, and eDISH plots, as well as generate tables and listings. Currently, it boasts twelve output modules, with ongoing development to expand its capabilities. In a move towards community-driven growth and refinement, DaVinci has been open-sourced recently.
Successful conduct of clinical trials heavily relies on regular data reviews, in order to ensure patient safety, monitor data flow and recruitment, guarantee protocol compliance, assess data quality, etc. Moreover, regular data reviews are also meant to provide an opportunity for exploratory parameter analysis allowing for the identification of trends, patterns, and relationships within the data that may not be immediately apparent. Compared to extensive static outputs like tables, listings, and figures in PDF format, such data review procedures can be greatly enhanced by utilizing interactive visualization tools. This is where R/Shiny applications have proven excellent means for reviewers to dive deep into the study data through dynamic plots, along with real-time data access.
In a naive approach of using R/Shiny for interactive data visualization, one can create a comprehensive stand-alone application, that satisfies the needs of as many studies as possible. It has been observed, however, that these stand alone apps quickly become unwieldy and miss user expectations. Moreover, some minor trial-specific adjustments are impossible to be implemented without disrupting functionality for other trials. Therefore, instead of creating universal stand-alone apps, DaVinci intends to provide individual modules. R/Shiny modules serve as functional building blocks that can be easily linked together into customized apps. This customization enables trial teams to quickly build trial-specific but lean apps without extensive programming knowledge. The concept of developing loosely coupled, functional units and composing them into a larger application is referred to as modular approach
The figure above schematically demonstrates the modular approach by means of building blocks. In this analogy, the building blocks symbolize the different modules. Depending on the use case, one might choose and assemble the building blocks to build a helicopter, a motorcycle, or a pick-up truck. Similarly, the trial team will develop their trial-specific application by choosing and assembling the modules based on the team’s unique requirements.
In conclusion, DaVinci provides a dynamic, modular framework for interactive data exploration and visualization in the field of clinical research. Its modular design allows for the creation of lean, trial-specific applications, making this framework flexible and versatile. One of DaVinci's key features is its drill-down functionality, which is especially useful for data exploration and review during study conduct. It also integrates with modules from other modular open-source frameworks like Teal, further diversifying its range of functionalities. By making DaVinci open-source on GitHub, it opens the door for improvements and growth from the community.