Jimmy T. Efird^1,2, Jin Ye Yeo³

¹VA Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, Boston, MA, USA; ²Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA; ³TCR Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company

Correspondence to: Jin Ye Yeo. TCR Editorial Office, AME Publishing Company. Email: tcr@amepc.org.

Expert introduction

Dr. Jimmy T. Efird (Figure 1) is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University and also serves as Chief Statistician for the VA Boston Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center. He completed his Doctorate in Epidemiology (Biostatistics Concentration) at Stanford University School of Medicine and has published over 300 manuscripts and technical reports (h-index 63; i10-index 165; citations 13,949). His research interests include etiologic risk factors for cancer and developing novel research methods in the field of cancer research.

Figure 1 Dr. Jimmy T. Efird

Interview

TCR: Could you share about your journey into the field of biostatistics and epidemiology?

Dr. Efird: The successful management of cancer involves years of rigorous research, based upon sound epidemiologic methods and the careful, unbiased statistical analysis of clinical data. I have always enjoyed quantitative challenges and finding real-world solutions.

TCR: What drove you to dedicate your research focus to cancer?

Dr. Efird: The ability to make lasting contributions to cancer patients and their families.

TCR: Your research interests include etiologic risk factors for cancer. Could you elaborate on some of the key findings from your recent studies in this area?

Dr. Efird: Many etiologic questions remain regarding cancer risk. Rarely is a single factor the underlying culprit but rather the multiple hit theory of cancer. This is the case for oncogenic viruses and bacteria that can act as cofactors in cancer development. 

TCR: You have also developed novel research methods in cancer research. Can you discuss one or two of these methods that stood out to you the most and their impact on the field?

Dr. Efird: My recent research has focused on statistical methods for analyzing late separating survival curves. Such techniques have been of interest in immune blockage drugs, which often show a delayed treatment effect.

TCR: How do you approach the challenge of translating statistical findings into actionable clinical or public health recommendations?

Dr. Efird: Clarity in the presentation results is critical for achieving actionable clinical and public health recommendations.

TCR: In your view, how has the field of biostatistics evolved over the years, and what innovations do you think will shape its future?

Dr. Efird: A key advance in the field of biostatistics is the development of machine learning methods, which help to offset distributional assumptions inherent to classical statistical methods. Adaptive designs for clinical trials are also important evolving areas of statistical research.  

TCR: With your extensive experience and a strong publication record, what advice would you give to emerging researchers in epidemiology and biostatistics?

Dr. Efird: Seek out statistical support and advice at the planning stage of a cancer research study.

TCR: As a newly appointed Editorial Board Member of TCR, what do you hope to achieve during your tenure, and what expectations do you have for TCR?