Early Detection Research Network (EDRN)

PI: Ziding Feng PhD
Co-PI: Mark Thornquist PhD

The public website of EDRN is:http://edrn.nci.nih.gov

Contact:
Royce Malnik
rmalnik@fhcrc.org
(206) 667-6972

The Early Detection Research Network (EDRN) is an initiative of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), bringing together dozens of institutions to help accelerate the translation of biomarker information into clinical applications and to evaluate new ways of testing cancer in its earliest stages and for cancer risk. Biomarkers are cellular, biochemical, molecular, or genetic alterations by which a normal or abnormal biologic process can be recognized or monitored. Biomarkers are measurable in biological media, such as fluids, tissues, or cells. In addition to the National Cancer Institute, which funds the EDRN, there are four components to the network: 25 Biomarker Development Laboratories, 5 Biomarker Validation Laboratories, 8 Clinical Validation Centers, and a Data Management and Coordinating Center (DMCC).

The DMCC, operated by FHCRC and UW statisticians and the Comprehensive Center for the Advancement of Scientific Strategies (COMPASS), provides coordination and data management for the EDRN under the direction of the Steering Committee, and develops statistical and analytical methods in response to the scientific needs of the Network. Specific tasks performed at the DMCC include:

• Network Coordination. Produce the Operating Policy and Procedure Manuals, assist in the development and implementation of collaborative study research protocols, develop and maintain a network secure web site and listserv, provide logistical and administrative support for meetings, and provide statistical support for collaborative studies within the Network and statistical consultation to the center-specific studies.
• Data Management. Provide data management support for collaborative studies in the Network, including developing data collection protocols, monitoring adherence, developing and maintaining databases, and providing reports or study data as needed.
• Theoretical and Applied Research. Develop statistical and analytical methods for biomarker evaluation and interpretation, specifically, focusing on the development and evaluation of flexible descriptive statistical methods 1) to assess the reliability and reproducibility of biomarkers and to identify factors that contribute to reducing reliability, 2) to assess the accuracy of a biomarker for cancer detection or cancer-risk assessment, and factors influencing its diagnostic potential, both when a gold standard exists, and when no gold standard exists, 3) to identify cancer heterogeneity for specific biomarkers, and 4) to identify biomarkers from microarray expression data.
• Validation Information Systems and Services (Informatics).  Develop EDRN Common Data Elements (CDE) required for collaborative studies and support for data mapping, harmonization, consolidation and eligibility checks on EDRN data and specimens.  Provide consultation to the NCI and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in implementing the distributed network-based data warehouse, tools and interfaces for publicly-accessible information. Maintain and develop resources for the EDRN Secure Website for data security, data and information distribution, and data analysis for the Network-specific collaborative studies.