Research Proposals
The TIGER Study encourages investigators at participating institutions to propose sub-studies and secondary analyses using the collected data. Learn about the proposal process, requirements, and how to get started.
About Research Proposals
The TIGER Study dataset represents one of the largest prospective collections of lymph node mapping data in esophageal cancer surgery. This resource offers substantial opportunities for secondary research across surgical oncology, pathology, diagnostic imaging, and outcomes research.
Investigators affiliated with participating institutions are invited to submit research proposals for sub-studies. All proposals are reviewed by the TIGER Study Publication Committee to ensure scientific rigor, avoid duplication of effort, and maintain data integrity across the consortium.
The process is designed to be transparent and supportive. Investigators receive feedback and guidance throughout the proposal and analysis process, with statistical support available from the central biostatistics team.
Proposal Process
From initial concept to publication, the research proposal process follows five clearly defined stages.
Develop Your Concept
Formulate your research question and outline the proposed analysis. Consider the available data within the TIGER Study registry and how your question can be addressed using the collected variables.
Submit a Proposal
Complete the Research Proposal Form and submit it to the TIGER Study Publication Committee. The form requires a structured outline including background, objectives, methods, requested variables, and a proposed timeline.
Committee Review
The Publication Committee reviews all proposals for scientific merit, feasibility, and potential overlap with ongoing projects. You will receive feedback within 6-8 weeks of submission.
Data Access & Analysis
Approved proposals receive access to the requested de-identified dataset. The central statistical team provides support for data extraction and can collaborate on the analysis plan.
Publication
Results are prepared as a manuscript following the TIGER Study authorship guidelines. The Publication Committee reviews the final draft before submission to ensure data accuracy and consortium representation.
Proposal Requirements
All research proposals submitted to the Publication Committee must meet the following criteria:
- Principal investigator must be affiliated with a TIGER Study participating institution
- Research question must be addressable with data collected in the TIGER Study registry
- Proposal must not substantially overlap with ongoing or approved TIGER Study projects
- Statistical analysis plan should be clearly defined with appropriate methodology
- Projected timeline for data analysis and manuscript preparation (typically 12-18 months)
- Compliance with the TIGER Study data sharing agreement and publication policy
Areas of Interest
The TIGER Study dataset supports research across a wide range of topics. The following areas are of particular interest to the consortium.
Lymph Node Metastasis Patterns
Studies examining the distribution, prevalence, and predictors of lymph node involvement across anatomical stations.
Surgical Technique & Outcomes
Comparative analyses of surgical approaches, lymphadenectomy extent, and their impact on morbidity and oncological outcomes.
Neoadjuvant Therapy Effects
Investigations into how preoperative treatment modifies lymph node metastasis patterns, pathological response, and survival.
Diagnostic Accuracy
Evaluations of preoperative staging modalities (CT, EUS, PET-CT) compared to pathological findings in the TIGER dataset.
Prognostic Models
Development and validation of prediction models for survival, recurrence, and treatment response using TIGER Study variables.
Quality Benchmarking
Analyses of institutional variation in lymph node yield, complication rates, and outcomes to support quality improvement initiatives.
Typical Timeline
- Submission to decision: 6-8 weeks
- Data extraction: 2-4 weeks after approval
- Analysis & manuscript: 12-18 months recommended
- Final review: 4 weeks before journal submission
Data Protection
All data provided for approved research proposals is fully de-identified and supplied under the terms of the TIGER Study Data Sharing Agreement. Investigators agree not to attempt re-identification and to use data solely for the approved research purpose. Additional IRB approval at the investigator's institution may be required.