National Cancer Institute (NCI) Early Career Cancer Clinical Investigator Award (ECIA) P30 Administrative Supplement

Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Winston-Salem NC

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT As an academic radiation oncologist with subspecialty expertise in head and neck cancer and hematologic malignancies and additional research interests in cancer control, symptom management, and quality of life, I am committed to advancing the mission of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) through leadership and excellence in clinical cancer research efforts within multiple NCI-sponsored institutions. I am a member of the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center (AHWFBCCC) and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. I am actively involved in clinical research through AHWFBCCC investigator-initiated trials (IITs), national cooperative group trials, and multi- institutional industry studies; however, I wish to advance my career to the next level of leadership in institutional and national NCI-supported clinical research. With the support of this NCI Early Career Cancer Clinical Investigator Award (ECIA), I aim to rapidly complete current institutional clinical trial work, expand current pilot studies into larger NCI-supported clinical trials, complete dedicated training experiences (including coursework and workshops) and grow my network, responsibilities, and leadership roles within AHWFBCCC and NCI- supported clinical trial networks such as the Wake Forest NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) Research Base and NRG Oncology. To achieve these goals, I will collaborate with mentors within my institution and within other NCI-funded clinical research organizations to complete two ongoing IITs and develop an AHWFBCCC pilot study. I plan to report the results and use study findings to inform the design of prospective studies that can enroll patients within AHWFBCCC-Levine Cancer enterprise and beyond; the WF NCORP Research Base or NRG Oncology, for example. I will meet with mentors and institutional study staff routinely to ensure successful and timely completion of my ongoing IITs and the planned study. I will also meet regularly with mentors and collaborators within the Wake Forest NCORP Research Base and NRG Oncology Head and Neck Committee and affiliated patient-reported outcome and recurrent/metastatic working groups. I will complete seminars, workshops, and educational activities to expand my expertise in clinical trial conduct, biostatistical principles, and patient-reported outcomes research. I will obtain a Certificate in Leadership from the Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies. These activities would not be feasible without the support and protected time provided by the ECIA. After successful completion of the proposed activities, I will have significantly advanced my goal of becoming an independent clinical cancer researcher focused on maximizing cancer outcomes, minimizing radiotherapy toxicity, and improving the health and quality of life of patients in survivorship after successful treatment of their cancer. Moreover, I will have demonstrated my progress towards advancing NCI-supported clinical trial activities that will help our patients live longer, healthier lives.