Biostatistics Shared Resource

PROJECT SUMMARY: BIOSTATISTICS SHARED RESOURCE The purpose of the Biostatistics Shared Resource (BSR) is to provide all Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC) programs/investigators with access to statistical expertise. The BSR participates in the research mission of the FPBCC by collaborating with FPBCC members for planning, conducting, and reporting of basic, translational, clinical, and population-based research. Specifically, the BSR develops statistical designs, develops statistical analysis plans, collaborates on data acquisition and development of clinical research forms, performs data monitoring for clinical trials involving human subjects, performs data analysis and interpretation, and aids in the development of manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations. Additionally, the BSR provides oversight by participating in the Scientific Review Committee and Data and Safety Monitoring Board of the cancer center, and provides continuing education for cancer center members through in-person and online platforms. Advances in biotechnologies and computing hardware/software have increased greatly the need for the sophisticated statistical methodologies provided by the BSR. Biostatistics is an essential scientific component of high quality cancer research, particularly in the conduct of clinical research. Dr. Lynette Smith and Dr. Fang Yu, serve as Co-Directors of the BSR, providing over 35 years of biostatistical experience to the cancer center. The BSR has access to 18 faculty and staff through the Department of Biostatistics, that allows flexibility to respond to a large portfolio of funded projects and provide appropriate expertise given the demands of the projects. Areas of faculty statistical expertise and research include longitudinal data analysis and study design, cancer prevention, clinical trials methodology, high-dimensional omics data, causal inference, biomarker development, spatial analysis, and joint modeling of survival and longitudinal data. The BSR faculty members are active collaborators on numerous NCI-funded projects throughout FPBCC and participate in regularly scheduled Program meetings. The core contributed to a total of 131 peer-reviewed publications1-131 from 2015-2020 and in 2019, assisted 60 FPBCC members and associate members with study design or analysis needs.