Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health
University of Padua

IASLC | International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer

The Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health (UBEP) at the University of Padua is the scientific and strategic partner of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in the international project aimed at revising and updating the TNM classification system for Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, and Thymic Malignancies (10th edition).

UBEP is responsible for

  • the design, implementation, and maintenance of the IASLC international REDCap database, independently managing:
    • the creation and full customization of the REDCap platform for the collection of clinical, molecular, and imaging data
    • the secure transfer of historical data and integration of datasets from national registries
    • continuous support to participating centers through structured training programs, detailed manuals, video tutorials, and helpdesk assistance

All activities are conducted in full compliance with GDPR/HIPAA and include role-based access controls, pseudonymization of patient-level data, and end-to-end encryption for both data transfer and storage.

  • advanced statistical modeling and data analytics. UBEP leads the design and execution of statistical analyses and predictive modeling through a rigorous and reproducible framework. Specifically, the team:
    • develops and validates advanced prognostic models, both classical and machine learning-based, integrating clinical variables, radiomic features, and molecular biomarkers
    • applies state-of-the-art methodologies, including regression modeling, survival analysis, competing risks, and landmark models
    • ensures full computational reproducibility via the use of R/RMarkdown environments, version control through GitHub, and well-documented analytic pipelines

All results are delivered through dynamic reports and interactive Power BI dashboards, accessible in real time by the IASLC scientific team

Multidisciplinary Organizational Structure

The UBEP team integrates biostatisticians, epidemiologists, data scientists, and clinical experts in thoracic oncology, including thoracic surgeons, pulmonologists, pathologists, and radiologists, ensuring a cross-disciplinary approach that is both methodologically sound and clinically meaningful.

Scientific oversight is provided by a dedicated clinical advisory board and an independent quality assurance board, reinforcing the integrity of all outputs.

Project Management and Governance

The entire initiative is supported by a robust and transparent project management structure, which includes:

  • strategic planning, operational control, and structured internal and external communications
  • periodic meetings with IASLC leadership for milestone approval and alignment
  • ongoing risk monitoring and implementation of predefined risk mitigation plans

Expected Impact and Innovation

With contributions from over 100 international centers and UBEP’s extensive expertise in managing large-scale registries and clinical studies, the project aims to achieve:

  • a globally standardized, high-quality data infrastructure essential for validating new TNM descriptors
  • the integration of molecular biomarkers and radiomic imaging features into next-generation staging models
  • a tangible impact on the global equity and precision of staging and treatment strategies for Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, and Thymic Malignancies

 


scientific.management@ubep.unipd.it