Neuroendocrine Tumor Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Human Cancer

描述（由申请人提供）：罕见肿瘤提出了几个挑战，包括缺乏基于证据的治疗建议，保险公司不愿意支持未经证实的治疗，以及转化研究支持的激烈竞争，可能仅使一小部分癌症患者受益。本提案中针对的神经内分泌肿瘤（NET）是面临所有这些挑战的罕见肿瘤。NET源于弥漫性神经内分泌系统，发生在成人和儿童中，并且在美国的发病率和患病率都在增加。爱荷华州大学是美国为数不多的学术或私人机构之一，在那里，NET患者得到诊断、治疗，并以全面的方式定期随访。爱荷华州大学设有一个多学科的NET诊所、一个IRB批准的登记处和数据库以及一个不断发展的转化研究项目。我们与制药和生物技术公司，患者支持团体以及其他研究机构合作，他们的专业知识补充了我们的临床和翻译专业知识，以建立神经内分泌肿瘤卓越中心。爱荷华州准备在神经内分泌肿瘤领域建立第一个孢子，学术、工业和慈善组织将与NCI合作，以增加这些独特患者的寿命和生活质量。我们的总体具体目标是：1。支持神经内分泌肿瘤的创新转化研究。2.通过交互式核心为翻译研究者提供支持。3.通过发展项目和职业发展招募和鼓励神经内分泌肿瘤的新翻译研究人员。4.通过与医生和倡导团体的外联，促进早期和准确的诊断。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Rare tumors present several challenges, including lack of evidence based treatment recommendations, unwillingness of insurance companies to support unproven therapies, and keen competition for translational research support that may benefit only a small proportion of all cancer patients. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) targeted in this proposal are rare tumors that face all of these challenges. NETs arise from the diffuse neuroendocrine system, occur in both adults and children, and are increasing in both incidence and prevalence in the United States. The University of Iowa is one of only a handful of academic or private institutions in the US where patients with NETs are diagnosed, treated, and regularly followed in a comprehensive manner. A multi-disciplinary NET clinic, an IRB approved registry and database, and a growing translational research program are housed at the University of Iowa. We have collaborated with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, patient support groups, and other research institutions whose expertise complements our clinical and translational expertise, to build a neuroendocrine tumor Center of Excellence. Iowa is poised to house the first SPORE in neuroendocrine tumors where academic, industry, and philanthropic organizations will partner with NCI to increase the length and quality of life for these unique patients. Our Overall Specific Aims are: 1. Support innovative translational research in Neuroendocrine Tumors. 2. Provide support to translational investigators through interactive cores. 3. Enlist and encourage new translational researchers in neuroendocrine tumors through developmental projects and career development. 4. Promote early and accurate diagnosis through outreach to physicians and advocacy groups.