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

描述（由申请人提供）：罕见肿瘤面临着一些挑战，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疗法，以及对可能仅使一小部分癌症患者受益的转化研究支持的激烈竞争。神经内分泌肿瘤（NETs）是一种罕见的肿瘤，面临着所有这些挑战。NETs起源于弥漫性神经内分泌系统，在成人和儿童中都有发生，在美国的发病率和流行率都在增加。爱荷华大学是美国为数不多的对net患者进行全面诊断、治疗和定期随访的学术或私立机构之一。爱荷华大学有一个多学科的。NET诊所，一个IRB批准的注册表和数据库，以及一个不断增长的转化研究项目。我们与制药和生物技术公司、患者支持团体和其他研究机构合作，他们的专业知识与我们的临床和转化专业知识相辅相成，建立了一个卓越的神经内分泌肿瘤中心。爱荷华州将成为神经内分泌肿瘤领域的第一个SPORE，学术、工业和慈善组织将与NCI合作，为这些独特的患者增加寿命和生活质量。我们的总体具体目标是：支持神经内分泌肿瘤的创新性转化研究。通过交互核心为翻译研究者提供支持。3. 通过发展项目和职业发展，招募和鼓励新的神经内分泌肿瘤转化研究人员。4. 通过与医生和倡导团体的接触，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.