Core C: Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Core

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The role of the Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core is to support investigators of the SPORE in Prostate Cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in their research efforts, including laboratory experiments, the design and analysis of clinical trials, and bioinformatics analyses. For preclinical studies, core members will assist in the formulation of the experimental design and in the analysis and interpretation of the data at the conclusion of the studies. A core member will conduct a protocol review with SPORE investigators during the clinical trial design phase. Based on this review, we will provide a statistical section for the protocol, outlining major scientific objectives, population to be studied, primary and secondary endpoints, experimental design, a randomization procedure if necessary, analysis plans, and a targeted sample size justified in probabilistic terms. At the conclusion of the trial, data analyses will be performed to assess outcomes of the primary and secondary endpoints stated in the protocol. A similar strategy will be employed for genomic analyses and core members will be integrated to the individual studies early on, remain involved, and carry full responsibility for all quantitative aspects.