The MRC Biostatistics Unit (BSU) is actively pursuing research in the emerging area of stratified medicine. Through our Stratified Medicine Initiative and Clinical Trials Methodology Hub, and with our expertise in statistical genomics, machine learning, complex observational and longitudinal data and evidence synthesis, we are well positioned and already engaged in developing and applying novel methodology that addresses the statistical challenges and issues arising in stratified medicine. Our current portfolio of research topics include biomarker modelling and identification, clinical trial design (e.g. Bayesian adaptive and SMART trials), risk stratification, prediction and validation, integrative modelling of multiple genomic and clinical data types (cross-sectionally, longitudinally and/or spatially), mechanistic understanding/causality, and dynamic treatment regimes. We are research partners in a number of MRC and other funded consortia in stratified medicine, and have close links with teams in North America, Europe and UK. Our collaborations cover many diseases and medical conditions, both common and rare, such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, dementia, Gaucher and rheumatic disorders.

What is stratified medicine?

Stratified medicine is a comprehensive strategy for medicine and specifically for the treatment of patients that utilizes molecular (biomarker) and clinical information to identify “homogeneous” subgroups of patients who are likely to respond similarly to treatment, have similar underlying disease mechanism or have similar outcome risk. It is about targeting therapies and making optimal decisions at appropriate times for groups of patients with shared biological characteristics.

Portfolio of Stratified Medicine Projects at the BSU

• RA-MAP (Medical Research Council / Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry – MRC/ABPI Inflammation and Immunology Initiative in Rheumatoid Arthritis)
• GAUCHERITE (MRC Stratified Medicine Initiative in Gaucher Disease)
• UK Dementia Platform (MRC Stratified Medicine for Patient Benefit Initiative in Dementia)
• Treatment Intensities and Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy: Integrating Patients’ and Clinicians’ Views – The TITRATE Programme (NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research)
• Cardiovascular Risk Prediction (The Emerging Risk Factors Collaboration)
• Genetics and Genomics of Cutaneous Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (International Psoriasis and Arthritis Team)
• Personalisation of Blood Donor Intervals – The INTERVAL Study (Universities of Cambridge and Oxford in collaboration with NHS Blood and Transplant)
• Biomarker Modelling for Identification of Recently Acquired HIV Infection (Public Health England)
• Biomarker-driven Trial Designs (MRC Hub for Trials Methodology Research)
• High-dimensional Statistics for Identification of Cancer Subtypes (MD Anderson Cancer Center Collaboration)
• Biomarker Prediction of Breast Cancer Survival (CRUK Collaboration)

[/callout]

Contact:
Dr Brian Tom
Programme Lead in Stratified Medicine
Cambridge Biomedical Campus
Cambridge Institute of Public Health
Forvie Site, Robinson Way,
Cambridge CB2 0SR
How to find us.
Email: stratmed@mrc-bsu.cam.ac.uk