Developmental Research Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY The goal of the SPORE in Pancreatic Cancer Developmental Research Program (DRP) is to recruit and support developmental research projects in pancreatic cancer for future incorporation as full SPORE projects or as the basis for applications for other nationally competitive peer-reviewed funding. The types of pancreatic cancer research projects that will be supported include basic, translational, clinical, epidemiologic, and cancer prevention. Projects supported under the DRP will expand the scope of translational research and increase the number of investigators committed to pancreatic cancer research. The DRP is open to institutions participating in the SPORE (WUSM, UPenn) and any of their collaborators. The DRP will work in tandem with the Career Enhancement Program (CEP) to assist in developing junior investigators and recruiting/mentoring minority investigators. These objectives will be accomplished by performing four specific aims. Aim 1: Support the development of pancreatic cancer research projects for future incorporation as full SPORE projects or for new independent peer-reviewed funding. The DRP will solicit new research projects annually. In addition to NCI funds, a total of $375,000 in institutional support has been committed in support of the DRP. DRP awards will provide up to $75,000 for 1 year, with a competitive renewal allowed for a second year of funding. Two to three awards per year are anticipated. Institutional funds will make the NCI funds ($25,000/year) committed to underrepresented minorities equivalent to other DRP awards. Aim 2: Foster collaborations between basic and clinical researchers. The DRP directors will facilitate interactions between basic and clinical researchers through shared weekly meetings, the annual SPORE retreat, and small group meetings. Aim 3: Mentor junior faculty and new faculty involved in pancreatic cancer research. All investigators submitting applications to the DRP will receive a written scientific and statistical review, and the DRP directors will be available to discuss the projects in detail. Where appropriate, mentors will be identified to work with junior faculty or collaborate with faculty whose primary research area is outside of pancreatic cancer. All DRP awardees will present their research progress to the SPORE steering committee twice per year. Aim 4: Promote the participation of women, minorities, and disabled investigators in pancreatic cancer research and facilitate the recruitment of minorities into clinical pancreatic cancer trials. The DRP directors will implement initiatives that enhance the participation of women, minorities, and disabled persons in SPORE clinical trials and promote the participation of diverse groups in pancreatic cancer research. Impact: The proposed work will improve our understanding of pancreatic cancer biology and will identify new strategies for early detection, prevention, imaging, and treatment for this refractory malignancy.