Biostatistics Core
Director:
Ralph B. D’Agostino, Jr., PhD
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Biostatisticians:
Doug Case, PhD
Ina Hoeschele, PhD
Scott Isom
James Lovato
Thomas McCoy
Greg Russell
Janet Tooze, PhD
The primary goal of the Biostatistics Core is to facilitate the peer-reviewed research of Cancer Center members. We are responsible for collaborating with clinical, cancer control, and basic science investigators throughout all phases of cancer-related research projects designed to reduce the incidence of cancer, increase treatment options, improve response and survival, reduce morbidity, manage symptoms, improve health-related quality of life, and move important laboratory discoveries into clinical practice.
To help achieve this goal we provide the following services free of charge:
- we ensure that study designs (for both protocol and grant submissions) are adequate, including development of study hypotheses, explicit specification of primary and secondary outcomes, determination of required sample sizes, appropriate data collection, and assessment of the feasibility of trials based on previous accrual to other similar trials
- write the statistical sections for all treatment protocols, including plans for interim monitoring of trial results
- develop randomization schemes for studies (i.e., phase III clinical trials)
- assist with the development of sample survey instruments
- develop sampling plans
- monitor ongoing protocol accrual
- provide methodologic support to CCCWFU investigators
- perform interim data analyses
- perform ad hoc and final analyses,
- collaborate with investigators when interpreting and publishing results
- collaborate with Cancer Center members in the development and submission of externally funded grants
- participate in CCCWFU committees responsible for the scientific and administrative direction of the CCCWFU
Statisticians ensure that appropriate designs are utilized, often resulting in more efficient studies (fewer patients required). Programmers ensure that study forms or questionnaires are reasonable, and they develop the programs for screen entry. Statisticians also ensure that the appropriate statistical tests are done and interpreted properly.
To facilitate these tasks being performed, Dr. D’Agostino has developed a new plan for dividing responsibilities among the Biostatistics Core to take advantage of the unique strengths of the core members. This plan involves each Biostatistics Core member having particular types of projects that (s)he will work on thereby creating continuity among collaborations of Cancer Center members and statisticians.
In addition, to assist in protocol development among Cancer Center members, each Cancer Center member has been assigned a specific statistician to work with in the development of the design and statistical analyses. In this way stronger and more consistent collaborative relationships will be developed.
Biostatistician Core
Left to Right: Janet Tooze, PhD, Ina Hoeschele, PhD, Tina Williard, Thomas McCoy James Lovato, Greg Russell, Ralph D’Agostino Jr., PhD,
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