Biostatistics Shared Resource

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The primary goal of the Biostatistics Shared Resource is to provide biostatistical and biomathematical support and collaboration for laboratory, translational, clinical, population, and epidemiological cancer studies underway at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). The Biostatistics Resource enhances the scientific quality and sophistication of cancer research projects by providing tailored, professional consultation at all levels and stages of research. The Resource assists investigators with study design, sample size/power calculations, data analyses, grant applications, and manuscripts. Emphasis is placed on early consultation to allow adequate consideration and adaptation of study designs to meet the main objectives of the research. The Resource also provides educational outreach to Cancer Center members as needed, allowing investigators to better address their specific research problems. The Biostatistics Shared Resource, by virtue of its activities with a broad range of cancer investigators, is central to the Cancer Center's priorities. It is also a focal point of transdisciplinary cancer research, as it facilitates the collaborative work of basic, population, and clinical researchers from many departments. The primary research component of the Biostatistics Resource focuses on carcinogenesis modeling, on methodologies for high throughput genomics applicable to cancer pathways (such as microarray, ChlP-Seq, and Digital Gene Expression), and on methodologies for analysis of familial aspects of cancer. Use of this Shared Resource by the Cancer Center has increased substantially during the most recent cycle, and biostaticians have been involved in numerous important scientific discoveries. Kenneth Boucher, PhD, is the Resource Director and reports to HCI Senior Directors. Since the recent receipt of the University of Utah Clinical and Translational Science Award, Biostatistics is also now affiliated with the biostatistical component of that program. The Resource retains direct Cancer Center management, while the affiliation allows increased depth of expertise combined with increased interaction of institutional biostaticians and related academic activities. The Resource also has an established advisory committee, which regularly reviews structure, quality of service and research, as well as goals and needs. The Resource is housed in the HCI research building. In 2008, usage of the Shared Resource by the Cancer Center was 79 percent. Funds are requested from the CCSG to cover 15 percent ($74,806) of the proposed Biostatistics budget. The Resource is currently near capacity, although the 21 percent of non-Center use could be reprioritized to Cancer Center members should the need arise. Additionally, new recruitment efforts should soon add capacity to this Resource.