The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department of Biostatistics 

Rapid advancements in molecular biology and genetics have greatly enhanced our understanding of the carcinogenesis process. On the other hand, accumulating experiences on promising chemopreventive agents brings clinical cancer prevention closer to reality. My main research interest lies in the design, conduct, and analysis of translational cancer prevention studies.

New statistical methodology is being developed to meet the particular needs of interpreting results from translational cancer prevention research using biomarkers. For example, a more efficient and reliable scoring mechanism was proposed for the mutagen sensitivity assay. Likelihood- weighted confidence intervals were derived to better estimate the treatment difference between 2 randomized groups. Methods in spatial statistics were applied to analyze genetic instability in tumorigenesis. A graphical routine for a versatile 1-dimensional distribution plot was written to facilitate the exploratory data analysis in analyzing biomarkers. In addition, extensions were added to event charts to plot multiple time-to-event data in monitoring clinical trials.

I continue to develop and apply innovative biostatistical methodology suitable for translational cancer prevention research. The multidisciplinary research team, which encompasses statistical, clinical, and basic scientists, offers unprecedented opportunities to enhance the understanding of carcinogenesis and in searching for effective mechanisms for cancer prevention.

Challenging statistical problems such as modeling and designing studies to incorporate multiple biomarkers in the longitudinal data analysis setting will continue to be investigated. Improvement of the traditional Phase I, II and III trials is also being studied.

PubMed

MDACC Faculty

Education & Training

D.D.S. - National Taiwan University - 1982
Ph.D. - University of California at Los Angeles - 1989

Programs

• Quantitative Sciences

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