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The Data Management and Analysis Core

for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas

Welcome to DMACData Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas

Building data infrastructure, providing training through workshops and lectures as well as pilot awards that support salaries and mentoring. Accelerating research along the entire cancer care continuum, from screening, diagnosis, and treatment to post-treatment surveillance, and survivorship.

This project is funded by CPRIT: https://www.cprit.state.tx.us/grants-funded/grants/rp210130

Contact Us

Anirudh Babu, Statistical Assistant
Phone: (409) 266-0194
Fax:  (409) 772-5272
Email: asbabu@utmb.edu
Mailing address:
UHC Building 4.530
301 University Blvd.
Galveston, Texas 77555-1150

Thanks for your interest in our research.
Current Data Available
Pilot Projects
Training: Workshops & Seminars
News

Current News

  • 02.27.2025 Webinar - Introduction to MarketScan Data: A Beginner's Guide - Register today

    February 13, 2025, 10:54 AM by DMAC

    Join us for a webinar on February 27, 2025 at noon. Dr. Efstathia Polychronopoulou will introduce the UTMB community to the Merative MarketScan Research Databases, a vast collection of de-identified healthcare claims data used for research. Managed by the Department of Biostatistics & Data Science, MarketScan provides longitudinal medical and pharmacy claims data for millions of individuals across the U.S. This powerful resource will allow UTMB researchers to explore healthcare trends, costs, utilization patterns, and outcomes through a comprehensive, real-world dataset. We will also provide guidance on accessing the data and demonstrate practical examples to support your research.

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  • 04.18.2025 DMAC Workshop - Register by March 15

    February 10, 2025, 08:39 AM by DMAC

    Since 2010 we have worked closely with the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) to combine information from various large databases like Medicare & Medicaid for research purposes. Our goals have evolved to include connecting TCR databases with national surveys to improve research on patient outcomes. We also aim to train new researchers in comparative effective research (CER) across Texas, especially those who are underrepresented. Join us for a workshop on April 18th, 2025 to learn more.

  • 06.06.2025 Call for Pilot Project Proposals, LOI Due June 6

    February 5, 2025, 08:32 AM by DMAC

    Texas academic and research investigators are invited to submit pilot grant proposals focused on cancer comparative effectiveness research. Proposals covering screening, diagnosis, treatment, post-treatment surveillance, or survivorship are encouraged. Funding will be provided for one year, $20,000-$40,000 in direct cost. The best and highest scored research proposal will receive up to $40,000. Register for optional info sessions on May 19 or 23, 2025

Background & Objectives

Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas (CERCIT) was established at UTMB in 2010 as a statewide resource for outcomes and comparative effectiveness research funded by The Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT).

The DMAC is committed to three primary objectives: 

1. Improve Access to Data
We strive to efficiently manage and analyze complex datasets, leveraging a decade-long partnership with the Texas Cancer Registry and expanding our reach to encompass national survey data. By synergizing disparate information from sources like Medicare and Medicaid, we aim to unlock profound insights into cancer outcomes. 
2. Research Community Expansion
Our commitment extends beyond data analysis to the cultivation of a vibrant research community. We aspire to recruit and train new investigators in Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) from at least 8 Texas academic and research institutions, prioritizing those from underrepresented backgrounds, thus contributing to the diversification and enrichment of cancer research.
3. Knowledge Dissemination
Through workshops, lectures, and pilot awards supporting critical phases of cancer care, the DMAC seeks to empower researchers with the skills and resources necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of cancer research, from screening and diagnosis to treatment, surveillance, and survivorship.

History & Impact

Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas

Since 2010, the Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC) of CERCIT has worked closely with the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) to combine information from various large databases, like Medicare and Medicaid, for research purposes. Under the CPRIT-Core Facility Support Award, the goals of the DMAC have evolved to include connecting TCR databases with national surveys to improve research on patient outcomes. We also aim to train new researchers in comparative effectiveness research (CER) across Texas, especially those who are underrepresented.

187 publications, 27 trainees

Findings from CERCIT have been disseminated via more than 187 scientific publications. Most importantly, CERCIT has built the data infrastructure for cancer CER through a close partnership with the Texas Cancer Registry (TCR) to link TCR data to Texas Medicare and Medicaid files. Another significant contribution in the first cycle of CERCIT was to train 27 junior clinical investigators in CER in the trajectory of the cancer care continuum through didactic experiences, and structured multidisciplinary mentoring in the Houston/Galveston area. In the current cycle, the training core focused on collecting patient-reported outcomes, through a collaboration with TCR. 

Read more about the history of CERCIT

Expertise & Services

The DMAC distinguishes itself as a hub of expertise, offering a spectrum of services: Data Collaboration: Facilitating seamless collaboration with government contractors, ensuring ethical and regulatory compliance in data agreements, and linking processes.

In essence, the DMAC aspires to be the premier center for cancer research in Texas, uniting data excellence with a commitment to diversity and knowledge dissemination. Through impactful research findings and a legacy of training the next generation of researchers, CERCIT and the DMAC will continue to shape the future of cancer research, driving toward a world where innovative solutions transform the landscape of cancer care. 

Data Management
Drawing from over 10 years of experience with Texas Medicare and Medicaid data, we provide comprehensive data management services while continually expanding our datasets. 
Research Design and Analysis
Offering invaluable insights into study design, data management, and statistical analysis, the DMAC stands as a pillar of support for both seasoned researchers and those venturing into the field. 
Training and Mentorship
Beyond data, the DMAC invests in the growth of the research community by offering training workshops, lectures, and pilot grants that catalyze the careers of emerging investigators.

Leadership

Principal Investigator: Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD 

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Yong-Fang Kuo, PhD
Professor and Chair
Department of Biostatistics & Data Science

Dr. Kuo is the Don W. and Frances Powell Professor in Aging Research and the director of the Office of Biostatistics in the UTMB School of Public and Population Health. She is the principal investigator of Data Management and Analysis Core for Comparative Effectiveness Research on Cancer in Texas.

Her research assesses patterns of care, treatment toxicities, and health outcomes using a variety of large data sets. She also examines healthcare delivery focused on hospitalist care and its impact, and the use and effectiveness of primary care provided by nurse practitioners in communities and nursing homes. Her research is widely published in medical and health services research journals. Dr. Kuo’s research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

As a biostatistician, she serves as the director of Biostatistics and Analysis Core for several center grants funded by NIH and the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. She has been a biostatistics mentor for more than 80 trainees including junior faculty, pre-doc, and post-doc fellows. Her expertise is in the analyses for comparative effectiveness research, pharmacoepidemiology, and health outcome studies.