When study concepts are proposed by potential investigators, the key methodological principles need to be discussed to ensure the scientific integrity of the proposed study. This includes issues of the study design, outcome choice and their frequency of measurement, aspects of the sample size together with potential non-adherence to treatment as well as methods of statistical analyses. Addressing these issues will help ensure that the study will provide solid evidence on the activity of the intervention(s) to encourage further development, or, implemented into clinical practice.
The CTC biostatisticians provide the underpinning to allow such studies to proceed whether funded by research grants (where the methodological science is rigorously evaluated in the peer review process) or external funders who also evaluate the prospect of obtaining sufficient clinical activity for applicability to a wider patient population. CTC’s success in obtaining funding for such projects reflects the quality of the methodological contribution to these study concepts.
CTC statisticians work closely alongside investigators on trials initiated and managed through the CTC to evaluate and test new therapies in a number of important disease areas. They join with national and international groups to play a part in designing, analysing and reporting trials which are efficient and methodologically rigorous.
Our biostatisticians also engage with local hospitals, providing ‘statistical clinics’ and outreach, including in the areas of radiation oncology, rheumatology, molecular studies, women’s health and paediatric diseases.
The biostatistics research program is underpinned by methodological research carried out by the group’s biostatisticians, post-doctoral research fellows and PhD students.
