Biostatistics and Epidemiology
Grant Activities
The Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology provides support with grant writing to investigators from WCMC and outside research groups with overlapping research interests. It is highly recommended that the biostatistician be included in the proposal with percent FTE support.
Prior to grant submission, the following information needs to be provided to the biostatistician involved:
- If this is a sub-award from another institution, we suggest you send the following at least 3 weeks before the deadline:
- Funding agency
- Submission date
- Title of proposal
- Proposed start and end date
- Principal Investigator(s)
- Our faculty’s role
- % FTE over the proposed years
- Annual direct costs
- An updated version of the full application
- If this is a grant submission from another department at WCMC, we suggest you send the above information at least 2 weeks before the deadline. The related Electronic Routing Form (ERF) would be routed through the Department of Public Health as a collaborating department.
Selected List of Current Grants
Targeting the Obesity-Inflammation-COX-Aromatase Axis to Lower Breast Cancer Risk
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Andrew Dannenberg, M.D.)
09/16/11-07/31/16
National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute
The major goal of this project is to develop novel strategies to reduce obesity-related inflammation and aromatase expression in the mammary gland leading to a decreased risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Molecular Targeting of diffuse large B-Cell Lymphoma
Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D, Paul Christos Dr.P.H. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Ari Melnick, M.D.)
1/20/10-12/31/14
National Institutes of Health
1) Developing chemical-mimetics of RI-BPI, 2) determining the mechanism and efficacy of cell killing of RI-BPI and derivatives alone and in combination in a spectrum of DLBCL cell lines in vitro and in vivo, 3) determining the response of primary DLBCLs to BPI ex vivo and identify biomarkers predictive of response to RI-BPI, and finally 4) to translate BCL6 targeted therapy to the clinic and determine the safety, activity, and optimal dosing of RI-BPI in patients with BCL-6-positive DLBCL. By the end of the funding period, we expect to be moving peptidomimetic BCL6 inhibitor drugs into phase II clinical trials.
Comprehensive Prostate Cancer Characterization by Genomic and Transcriptomic Profiling
Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Pathology, P.I.: Mark Rubin, M.D.)
National Cancer Institute
08/01/11-07/31/13
The overall goal of this proposal is to discover and validate prostate cancer (PCA) specific biomarkers that can be non-invasively detected in the urine. We have taken a Systems Biology approach integrating state-of-the-art RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and DNA 6.0 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays with novel computational approaches for analysis.
Microtube dependent AR signaling predicts taxane sensitivity
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Paraskevi Giannakakou, M.D.)
07/01/09-06/30/14
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The purpose of this project is to identify how modulation of the lethal-phenotype-survival transcription factor AR following Taxol treatment determines clinical response and to assess the role of tubulin acetylation as a predictive biomarker for taxane activity in castrate-resistant metastatic prostate cancer patients.
Center of Excellence in Health Disparities Research
Linda Gerber, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Carla Boutin-Foster, M.D.)
7/25/09-05/31/14
National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD)
The purpose of this project is to create an interdisciplinary academic and community research enterprise that will expand the capacity for conducting cutting-edge and trans-disciplinary research that will contribute to improving minority health and reducing health disparities in cardiovascular disease and cancer in Central Harlem and the South Bronx.
Thromboregulation in Occlusive Vascular Diseases
Paul Christos, Dr.P.H. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Aaron J. Marcus, M.D.)
5/01/09-4/30/13
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Researchers of this project will study the molecular biology and function of CD39 in occlusive cerebrovascular diseases with emphasis on: A) Regulation of CD39 activity via tissue- and disease-specific expression of alternatively spliced variants in patients with atherothrombotic and cryptogenic stroke vs. normal controls; B) Differences in activities and ADPase/ATPase activity ratio of endogenous CD39 in blood cells of patients with stroke. Our long-range goal is an apyrase-based treatment of patients with platelet-driven occlusive vascular disorders which our accumulated data suggest would be safe and effective.
Urinary PGE-M:A Noninvasive Biomarker of Tobacco Smoke Induced Pulmonary Injury
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Andrew Dannenberg)
01/01/07-12/31/12
FAMRI
The major goal of this project is to evaluate whether urinary PGE-M can be used as a noninvasive biomarker of tobacco smoke induced lung injury.
Obesity, BRCA1 and Breast Cancer
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Andrew Dannenberg)
01/01/10-12/31/12
Botwinick Wolfensohn Foundation Inc.
The major goal of this project is to elucidate the role of BRCA1 in adipogenesis and to investigate whether obesity stimulates breast cancer growth.
Obesity, Inflammation and Breast Cancer
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Andrew Dannenberg)
10/1/2012-09/30/2012
Breast Cancer Research Foundation Inc.
The major goal of this project will be to further elucidate the role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of breast cancer.
A Randomized Phase 2 Trial of 177Lu Radiolabeled Anti-PSMA Monoclonal Antibody J591 in Patients with High Risk Castrate Biochemistry Relapsed Prostate Cancer
Paul Christos, Dr.P.H. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicin,e P.I.: Scott T. Tagawa , M.D.)
08/17/09-09/16/12
Department of Defense
The purpose of this project is to demonstrate a difference in the proportion of men with radiographically evident metastatic disease at 18 months in those receiving anti-PSMA-based RIT vs. placebo.
Modulation of Arachidonic Acid Metabolism by Chemopreventive Agents in Smokers
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Andrew Dannenberg)
09/30/09-09/29/2012
National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute
The major goal of this project is to evaluate the effects of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor vs. the combination of a 5-lipoxygenase inhibitor and a selective COX-2 inhibitor on urinary biomarkers of inflammation.
ICOR & UDI Think Tank
Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Public Health P.I.: Art Sedrakyan, MD.)
FDA
12/10/10-11/30/2011
Natural History and Pathogenesis of HPV/HIV Co-Infection in Haiti
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Daniel Fitzgerald)
09/01/11-08/31/12
National Institutes of Health
The major goal of this study is to elucidate the natural history of HPV/HIV co-infection including studies of arachidonic acid metabolism with the eventual goal of developing effective and affordable strategies to prevent cervical cancer in HIV infected women.
Study of Women's Health in Qatar: Examining the physical, biological, psychological and social changes in women in their middle years
Linda Gerber, Ph.D. (P.I.) (In collaboration with WCMC-Q PI: Mohamud Verjee, MBChB; Division of Prevention and Health Behavior Co- I.: Madhuvanti Mahadeo Murphy, DrPH)
09/01/09-08/31/12
Qatar National Research Fund
The major goals of this study are to develop and perform a national, cross-sectional, 2-phase investigation into the health of midlife women in the state of Qatar.
Inflammation in the Promotion of Breast Cancer and Metastasis
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Andrew Dannenberg)
08/01/11-07/31/2012
Metastasis Research Center
The major goal of this project is to further define the role of obesity induced inflammation in human breast carcinogenesis.
Functional Validation of Somatic Mutations in Prostate Cancer
Samprit Banerjee, Ph.D., Zhengming Chen, Ph.D . (In collaboration with the Department of Pathology P.I.: Mark Rubin, M.D.)
08/01/10-07/31/12
Starr Cancer Consortium
Towards Understanding Prostate Cancer Heterogeneity
Samprit Banerjee, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Pathology P.I.: Mark A. Rubin, M.D.)
07/01/07- 06/30/12
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
This project focuses on characterizing a novel translocation in PCA identified by our group, and examining the role of the translocation in disease progression.
Comprehensive Prognostic Modeling for Esophageal Cancer: A Bayesian Approach
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (P.I.)
07/01/09- 06/30/12
National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ National Cancer Institute (NCI)
The proposed studies aim to develop comprehensive prognostic models for esophageal cancer using SEER-Medicare linked database and to compare methods for clustered survival data using statistical simulations.
Communication between Home Health Nurses and Physicians: The Impact on Hospital Readmission
Linda Gerber, PhD (In collaboration with the Department of Public Health P.I.: Matthew Press, M.D.)
01/15/12-06/14/2013
Aetna Foundation
The objective of this project is to assess the quality of communication between home health nurses and physicians and determine its association with risk of readmission.
Fractionated, Dual-targeted radio immunotherapy for follicular lymphoma
Paul Christos, Dr.P.H.; Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Rebecca Elstrom, M.D.)
6/8/10-5/31/12
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
The major goal of this study is to Determine the biodistribution, tumor localization and pharmacokinetics of radiolabeled epratuzumab therapy and determine any changes in targeting due to pretreatment with veltuzumab, and establish the safety and efficacy of fractionated 90Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan (anti-CD22) given in combination with veltuzumab (anti-CD20) in patients with previously untreated, intermediate or high risk FL.
Clinical and Translational Science Award
Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D., Research Design and Biostatistics Core (RDBC) Director (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine, P.I.: Julianne Imperato-Mcginley, M.D.)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
09/24/07-03/30/12
RDBC supports a large number of trans-institutional projects encompassing a broad spectrum of disciplines. Its principal objective is to provide biostatistical resources for the design and conduct of studies within the Clinical and Translational Science Center. The specific aims of this core are to: a) Provide a scientific and administrative structure that supports investigators from diverse backgrounds, b) Provide high-quality consultation in research design and biostatistical analysis, c) Train and mentor laboratory and clinical investigators in the quantitative aspects of research, d) Support methodological research for development of novel research design, advancement of efficient analysis methods, and enhancement of statistical software.
PAST GRANTS:
Genetic Variability and Susceptibility to Type 2 Diabetes in the Qatar Population
Paul Christos, DrPH . (In collaboration with the Department of Medicine P.I.: Ronald Crystal, M.D.)
Qatar Foundation
12/10/10-11/30/2011
CERT for Conducting Research in Medical Devices
Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D., Samprit Banerjee, Ph.D (In collaboration with Alvin I. Mushlin, M.D., Sc.M. [PI])
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
04/01/06 – 09/30/11
The Centers for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERTs) is a research program administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in consultation with the Food and Drug Administration, agencies within the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The mission of the CERTs is to conduct research and provide education that will advance the optimal use of drugs, medical devices, and biological products.
Downstream, induced costs following coronary calcification compared to carotid MRI, carotid IMT, brachial artery reactivity testing, and Framingham risk score
Allison Dunning, M.S. (In collaboration with Leslee Shaw, Ph.D. [PI], Emory University School of Medicine and James Min, M.D. [Subcontract PI], Department of Medicine)
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
09/30/09-09/29/11
The purpose of this project is to perform secondary analyses of existing data to answer important clinical and preventive medicine research questions, specifically to determine the cost effectiveness of preventive interventions. The economic consequences of advanced testing for subclinical cardiovascular disease will be investigated using the NIH-NHLBI-sponsored Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).
Comprehensive Prognostic Modeling for Esophageal Cancer: A Bayesian Approach
Kathy Zhou, Ph.D. (PI) (In collaboration with Nasser Altorki, M.D. [Co-I], Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery; Heather Gold, Ph.D. [Co-I], Division of Health Policy; Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D. [Co-I], Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology; and Andrew Gelman, Ph.D. [Subcontract Co-I], Columbia University)
07/01/09-06/30/11
National Institute of Health (NIH)
The proposed studies aim to develop comprehensive prognostic models for esophageal cancer using SEER-Medicare linked database and to compare methods for clustered survival data using statistical simulations.
Molecular Signatures of Lethal and Indolent Prostate Cancer
Samprit Banerjee, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Pathology P.I.: Mark A. Rubin , M.D.)
05/22/06- 02/28/11
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
This proposal will evaluate SNP array data and determine critical genomic alterations that will be used to validate the molecular phenotype of aggressive prostate cancer.
A Unified Approach of Cost-Effectiveness Analysis
Heejung Bang, Ph.D. (PI)
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
3/01/09-2/28/12
The main goal of this project is to develop a comprehensive approach for cost-effectiveness analysis (based on mean and median, average and incremental measures, accounting for censoring) and the associated computing software in a unified framework. We will evaluate the performance of our methods by extensive simulation and the utility of these methods in various practical settings, and also reanalyze existing datasets.
Determining Germline Risk factors for lethal Prostate Cancer: The Role of Copy Number Variations in Prostate Cancer Progression
Samprit Banerjee, Ph.D. (In collaboration with the Department of Pathology P.I.: Mark A. Rubin , M.D.)
7/15/08-7/14/10
Starr Foundation
The goal of this project is to detect clinically significant prostate cancer by exploiting new understanding of the human genome. Recently, variations in the number of segments of DNA, called copy number variations (CNVs) polymorphisms, have been reported as associated with common diseases. The current study will explore for CNVs associated with PCA risk using a large collection of cases and controls from a prostate cancer early detection program in Tyrol.
CERT Pilot: Bayesian design and analysis of clinical trial with multiple outcomes and small sample size
Stefano Monni, Ph.D. (PI)
09/15/09-03/31/10
Agency of Health Research and Quality (AHRQ)
The overall objective of this proposal is to develop expertise in Bayesian design and analysis of clinical trial at Weill Cornell Medical College and begin implementing them in two clinical trials where the frequentist approach is sub-optimal.
Early Therapeutics Development with Phase II Emphasis
Madhu Mazumdar, Ph.D. Director: Biostatistics Core for NYC Consortium (In collaboration with Joseph Sparano, M.D. [PI], Montefiore Medical Center)
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
01/01/06-12/31/09
This is a consortium of seven New York based medical colleges and one from Australia. Their mandate is to develop phase II studies for application solicited by NCI/CTEP and perform clinical trials in a multi-center manner. The statistical center is responsible for providing quantitative aspect of each Letter of Intents (LOIs), protocols, and related manuscripts.
Home-Based BP Interventions for African Americans
Linda Gerber , Ph.D. (PI) (In collaboration with Penny Feldman, Ph.D. [Co-PI], Visiting Nurse Services of New York)
09/30/04-06/30/09
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
The goal of the study is to conduct a randomized trial to examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of two organizational interventions aimed at improving blood pressure (BP) control among a high-risk, African American home care population.
Promoting Readiness and Interest in Self Management (PRISM)
Linda Gerber , Ph.D. (PI) (In collaboration with Penny Feldman, Ph.D. [Co-PI], Visiting Nurse Services of New York)
7/01/08-9/30/09
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
This study investigates how patient activation occurs and under what circumstances in a historically under-represented population Black/African Americans who suffer disproportionately high rates of chronic illness.
