Core C: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core will provide essential data and analytics support to investigators on the Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer SPORE. This Core will link study design, data collection, measurement, and analysis to validly address critical hypotheses and questions of SPORE investigators through the following Specific Aims. Aim 1: Study design. Define study hypotheses, target populations, and outcomes to efficiently interrogate the research questions of interest, reduce the chance of systematic bias, and ensure a high likelihood of detection of biologically meaningful effects. Aim 2: Statistical analysis. Implement quantitative methods tailored to study design and data features to estimate effects of interest, quantify uncertainty, and provide valid inferences about the evidence supporting the study hypotheses. Aim 3: Bioinformatics support. Source appropriate bioinformatics tools and routines to explore biological or mechanistic explanations for study findings and generate hypotheses for further investigation based on molecular information from study samples. The Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core is integral to the collection, validation, and analysis of data for SPORE projects. Further, where appropriate statistical methods are inadequate or lacking, Core personnel devise and implement novel analytic approaches. The Core will provide: (1) prompt responsiveness with respect to biostatistical and bioinformatics analyses; (2) appropriate expertise to select and implement an optimal approach to study design and analysis; (3) customized dataset creation and analysis; and (4) clear communication of study findings, conclusions, and limitations to investigators and the broader community.