Spring 1996 Math Clinic -- Prostate Cancer Models
Overview and Goals
This Math Clinic is sponsored by the Division of
Urology at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center,
represented by Dr. Firouz Daneshgari. The goals of the Clinic, as
spelled out in the contract with the Division of Urology, are as
follows:
- 3-D Geometric Model Software. Work on the 3-D model software currently being used in the Division of Urology's laboratory in order to:
- fine tune it to make it more "user friendly,"
- interface it with analytical models that are being developed,
- develop a method for more rapid import of data from acetate slides of
prostate samples, and
- assess the software in light of commercial and public domain software
for 3-D modeling.
- Biopsy Methods. Work on sampling/biopsy methodology in order to
identify
- the most effective method for sampling various types of tumor in
various prostate glands, and
- whether the biopsy method can distinguish between "insignificant" and
"significant" tumors.
- Morphometric data. Work on morphometric/analytical characteristics of the prostate gland and contained tumor in order to identify
- "insignificant" versus "significant" tumors,
- "point of origin,"
- "patterns of spread/expansion," and
- any additional morphometric characteristics of the gland and tumor
foci.
- Database. Develop a pilot "patient database" that could be an adjunct to the "prostate gland/tumor database." This database would include the
following information.
- patient's demographics,
- clinical data of the patient's prostate cancer (clinical data),
- pathological data (biopsy information and radical prostatectomy
specimen),
- laboratory data (PSA, PAP),
- radiological data, and
- follow-up data whenever possible.
- Statistical Analysis. Develop and use statistical methods to assist
with the above tasks.
- Collaboration. Strengthen collaboration between the participating
groups so that it will lead to long-term research, publications and
grant proposals after the Math Clinic has ended.
Specific Expectations
The following expectations of the Clinic
participants are also specified in the agreement
- Carry out research with the intent of meeting the goals of the Clinic
described above.
- Produce and submit a report of the Clinic results to the Division of
Urology by May 15, 1996.
- Deliver to Division of Urology any software and documentation that is
developed by the Math Clinic.
- It is expected that the results of the clinic will lead to at least
one submission of a paper for publication to an appropriate journal.
- One of the expected outcomes to this clinic is the submission of a
proposal to a funding institution (such as NIH) for the continuation of
the current joint research effort.