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Biostatistics

OVERVIEW

The Biostatistics Resource (BSR) strengthens the research capabilities and furthers the scientific rigor of cancer-related research by collaborating in all phases of protocol and grant development, data analysis and interpretation, and manuscript preparation at Moores Cancer Center (MCC).

MCC members are not charged for consulting with BSR during proposal preparation and early in clinical trial protocol development. MCC funds supporting the BSR are primarily intended for research development. These activities are expected to establish long-term collaborations between MCC members and BSR personnel leading to foundation, federal and industry funding, and high-profile publications.

BSR encourages early interaction during proposal planning. For standard grant proposal development, we need four weeks' notice so we can review aims, methods and preliminary results; these do not need to be in final form. We can provide statistical sections that will include sample size, power calculations and analysis methods; and targeted biosketches and letters of support, as needed. Our program manager will supply necessary budgetary language. We recommend at least eight weeks for more complex proposals, such as program projects and SPORE awards.

Early interaction during clinical trial development is also encouraged. After obtaining an initial version of the experimental protocol, BSR will provide sample size, power calculations and justifications for any interim safety and/or efficacy analysis, and randomization plans. We will also provide data quality monitoring language. BSR does expect to be informed of any submissions to IRB, regulatory agencies and/or industrial partners. During trial operation, BSR can provide: DSMB reporting, AE reports for regulatory agencies, data analyses for required reporting to funders, in addition to any interim safety and/or efficacy analysis. BSR requires negotiated approval of trial budget prior to undertaking these activities.

 

Service Profile

  • Statistical expertise in study design, including research proposal development, rigorous and efficient statistical analysis plans using up-to-date methods, sample size determination and power calculation 
  • Rigorous and reproducible data analysis and interpretation for Cancer Center research projects using contemporary statistical methodologies, including for complex or high-dimensional data, novel technologies, predictive modeling, causal inference for observational studies and other areas.
  • Clinical trial protocol development covering adaptive designs, interim safety and efficacy analyses, power calculations and randomization procedures. 
  • Development, validation and support of electronic data capture forms for investigator-initiated therapeutic clinical trials and data management support.
  • Methodologic research in cancer-related biostatistics to address novel technologies or inferential issues.
  • Education in biostatistics for graduate students, oncology residents, fellows and Cancer Center investigators.
  • Discussion of miscellaneous statistical questions of all types.

 

Schedule a consulting appointment

Please complete the following request form:
Biostatistical / Data analysis consulting appointment

Website

See the Division of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics website Biostatistics Group Website

People

Faculty

  • Karen Messer, PhD, Director, Professor and Chief, Division of Biostatistics 
  • Loki Natarajan, PhD, Professor, Division of Biostatistics
  • Charles Berry, PhD, Professor (Emeritus), Division of Biostatistics
  • Sonia Jain, PhD, Professor, Division of Biostatistics
  • Armin Schwartzman, PhD, Associate Professor, Division of Biostatistics
  • Lin Liu, PhD, Assistant Professor, Division of Biostatistics

Staff

  • Emily Pittman, PhD, Program Manager
  • Minya Pu, MS, Principal Statistician
  • Jing Zhang, MS, Senior Statistician
  • Martha White, MS, Programmer and Data Analyst

Current Biostatistics PhD Candidates / Students

  • Yuqi Qui, MS
  • Brian Kwan, BS
  • Ruifeng Chen, MS

Contact

Director:
Karen S. Messer, PhD
Professor and Chief, Division of Biostatistics, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health
kmesser@health.ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-822-4334

Program Manager:
Emily Pittman, PhD
eipittman@ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-822-5876
Mail Code 0901

Location:
Room 3037, Moores Cancer Center