Timothy Fan, PhD

Timothy Fan, PhD is a professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and an affiliate faculty member in the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on comparative oncology, the study of tumor histologies which closely share similar biology, genetics, and clinical behavior among various vertebrae species. A major theme of the Comparative Oncology Research Laboratory is to conduct anticancer research which can benefit both companion animals and human beings. By evaluating novel drugs or drug delivery strategies in dogs with spontaneously-arising tumor, the Comparative Oncology Research Laboratory is able to collaborate with basic scientists and aid in the investigation and characterization of novel anticancer treatment strategies. Through these joint studies, investigational therapies can be studied in large mammalians which develop tumors naturally, providing an experimental model system which most accurately mimics cancer development and progression in people.

Tell us briefly about your recent research project
This project, Intramural Cytokine Immunotherapy Studies in Companion Canine Cancer Models, seeks to evaluate the immunobiologic effects of intratumoral cytokine therapies for amplifying immune responses to fight the progression of local and metastatic melanoma in pet dogs. The goals of this research project are to understand how the immune system reactivates to intense localized inflammation within the immediate tumor microenvironment, and the ways that a systemic immune response can be reproducibly generated to improve the management of reginal and distant metastatic disease.   

Why did you decide to use BERD services for this project?
Given the depth, richness and complexity of clinical, immunologic, radiologic, and transcriptomic data generated in this proposal, it was essential to have statistical support and expertise to maximally interrogate and analyze data generated. In addition, a component of this research proposal is driven by conductance of a preclinical trial with pet dogs with cancer, and power analysis and sample size calculations justified by statistical modeling was required.

In what ways did the BERD team assist you in receiving external funding?
The BERD team was responsive and set up a collective Zoom conference call to learn more about the research project and to identify what aspects of statistical modeling and data analysis they could collaborate and provide their expertise and services. Through a good understanding of the project, one senior BERD team member was invited to serve as a collaborator on the research project, and strengthened the overall research proposal in the assessment of the study group.

What advice do you have for Illinois faculty and staff who may be interested in BERD services?
The BERD team is very approachable and wants to help faculty and staff with their research projects. Illinois faculty wishing to engage with the BERD team should be proactive and set up meetings so that the BERD team has a good understanding of the needs of individual projects and can estimate time commitment required for successful project completion and data analysis.

The Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) core at the Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute offers expert biostatistical consulting and analysis services in support of health-related research. The BERD team helps researchers design studies and enhance data collection, management, and analysis for health-related research projects. Visit the website or contact berd-ihsi@illinois.edu to learn more.