Extensions of the SEER-Medicare database: A Critical Opportunity to Answer Real World Questions about the Delivery of High Quality Cancer Care

I am a Research Associate and the Core Manager of the Biostatistics Shared Resource in the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) at Johns Hopkins University. This Core offers comprehensive biostatistical support to members of the Cancer Center, including standard study design and analysis to more innovative methods development and validation. In my role as Core Manager of the Shared Resource, I oversee and coordinate the biostatistical services provided in the Core and support the mentoring of junior statisticians. To this application, I bring my expertise in population-based health services outcomes research supporting the mission of the Cancer Prevention and Control program, primarily leveraging the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database, a program linking Medicare claims to those enrolled in the SEER cancer registry. The SEER-Medicare program is currently at an important point where new data is being made available, opening new and previously unavailable avenues for research. There is an increasing need for expertise that builds on this crucial data linkage. In this application, I highlight key areas of research that illustrate my expertise with this data and unique position possessing the skills needed to execute the statistical methodology required to successfully complete future projects. I will specifically discuss 1) prior projects using large datasets, focusing on SEER-Medicare data, 2) an extension to SEER-Medicare which links administrative housing data, 3) future data linkages that are currently on the horizon, 4) methodological considerations for using observational data linkages, and 5) how my role will enable me to effectively partner with investigators to answer high priority questions using real data, supporting the research mission of the Cancer Prevention and Control program in the Cancer Center. With the support of this R50 award, I will be able to manage the use of these resources in a more coordinated manner by leveraging data across multiple projects while training junior statisticians. It would also allow me to master my skills as a critical team member supporting the Cancer Prevention and Control program’s goals to answer real world questions on drivers of cancer-related care.