Training Program in Cancer Biology

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ABSTRACT Despite major breakthroughs over the past few years in our basic understanding of the cellular and molecular changes that lead to cancer, many key steps in carcinogenesis and changes in early cancers that promote invasion and metastasis, still remain poorly defined. Rigorous training of future young investigators in cancer biology will be essential in our quest for a deeper understanding of carcinogenesis and for the development of better methods of early cancer detection, improved diagnosis, and effective new cancer treatments. The Training Program in Cancer Biology (TPCB) is a multidisciplinary program across all cancer subtypes that capitalizes on the unique strengths and training opportunities at CU Anschutz, including world renowned research in functional genomics, experimental therapeutics, steroid receptor signaling, stem cells and organ specific cancers (in particular lung, breast and blood). Our goal is to provide interdisciplinary training at the cutting edge of cancer research to best prepare our trainees to compete in a biomedical research environment increasingly focused on translational applications of basic research. Our training plan consists of laboratory training, didactic activities, attendance at scientific conferences, professional development and career mentoring, development of communication skills, and exposure to the clinical perspective. Based on feedback from trainees and faculty, for this renewal we have added new training components, including mandatory mentor training and training in rigor and reproducibility. The renewal also includes expanded opportunities for training in quantitative biology and bioinformatics, and expanded clinical/translational and career development opportunities. The co-PIs of this training program have been leaders in Cancer Biology training at the University of Colorado Cancer Center and the Graduate School during the past 10 years. Resources from the Cancer Center, the Graduate School, and individual departments are committed to support the training program. The infrastructure of the Cancer Center is particularly important as it provides core resources available to training faculty that are therefore available to the trainees. The proposed program will include pre- doctoral training through the graduate training program in Cancer Biology, which is housed in the Graduate School, and post-doctoral training for PhD and PhD/MD scientists. A total of 38 training faculty were selected based on their scientific expertise and track record of mentorship. The first cycle of this T32 grant was highly successful, with all slots competitively filled. For the second cycle of this grant, we propose to support 4 postdoc and 4 predoctoral trainees each year. We will select trainees from external and internal pools based on their research and academic records and commitment to cancer research. We are committed to providing comprehensive training at all levels so as to best prepare our trainees for successful careers in biomedical science inside or outside academia.