DRP: Developmental Research Program

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PROJECT SUMMARY – DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (DRP) The Developmental Research Program (DRP) of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (HCC) Ovarian Cancer SPORE seeks to fund and facilitate translationally-driven, innovative pilot projects in ovarian cancer. The overarching goal is to decrease ovarian cancer morbidity and mortality through stimulating new research in the areas of prevention and early detection; mechanisms of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance; predictive and prognostic biomarkers; and novel targets and approaches to therapy. An additional goal of the DRP is to establish support for underrepresented minorities in ovarian cancer research. To accomplish these goals, DRP will build on the successful program and infrastructure developed via a previous joint P50 award that resulted in an approximate 35-fold return on investment. The DRP will widely solicit proposals annually using local and national networks. To increase recruitment of underrepresented minorities to our DRP program, DRP will leverage University of Pittsburgh and HCC programs with Minority Serving Institutions to increase the participation of under-represented scientists. Additionally, members of the Internal and External Advisory Boards will be encouraged to identify investigators who could contribute to the diversity of the DRP. The most meritorious proposals will be selected based on an NIH-style two-tiered review to ensure rigor and absence of bias. The DRP Co-Directors, SPORE Executive Committee, Patient Advocates, and SPORE investigators will participate in the first-tier scientific review, together with ad hoc revewers when necessary. The final selection of awardees will be made following a second-tier programmatic review involving the SPORE Internal Advisory Board. Each award will provide $50,000 in funds, with half of the monies coming from the DRP and the other half from HCC, demonstrating substantial institutional commitment. DRP will fund three pilots per year, reserving one for an underrepresented minority investigator. DRP awardees new to ovarian cancer will be assigned an experienced mentor to provide guidance and integration into the SPORE. Awardees will be provided full access to the HCC Ovarian Cancer SPORE Core resources, including tissue specimens and bioinformatic/biostatistical support, not only to ensure project success but also to support subsequent funding applications outside the SPORE mechanism. All DRP awardees will meet bi-annually with the DRP Co- Directors, prepare progress reports annually, and make research presentations at SPORE meetings. Those that demonstrate significant research progress will be eligible for competitive renewal for a second year. Exceptional pilots with potential for significant translational impact can be elevated to full SPORE projects. The DRP provides a vital mechanism for achieving the SPORE’s goal of developing a diverse pool of ovarian cancer researchers committed to overcoming this deadly disease.