Developmental Research Program

Ut Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (DRP) The Developmental Research Program (DRP) of the UT Southwestern (UTSW) Liver Cancer SPORE provides seed funding for promising translational projects that can significantly impact liver cancer outcomes. The DRP will fund pilot and/or high-risk/high-impact projects using innovative approaches, with the potential to generate groundbreaking discoveries, and a focus on translation. The DRP is led by Dr. Hoshida (SPORE MPI) and Dr. Tang (Project 3 co-leader). Their research expertise is characterized by innovation and translation, attributes sought in all DRP projects. DRP proposals will be solicited via the Administrative and Outreach Core working with the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC) leadership; pre-screened for eligibility, suitability, and relevance by the DRP leadership; reviewed by two internal and one external expert; and approved for funding by the SPORE Executive Committee. In addition to the $50,000/yr through the SPORE grant, UTSW and SCCC will commit an additional $175,000/yr for a total of $225,000 each year to support the DRP. The DRP will award 2-4 projects per year (a total of 15-20 projects over 5 years). Criteria for selection include: significance, innovation, approach, investigator qualifications, and translational potential (including synergy with existing SPORE projects). Priority will be given to projects with the potential to obtain external funding and/or become main SPORE projects. The specific aims of the DRP are to: (1) Serve as a mechanism to provide seed funding for promising projects; (2) Identify and recruit a pool of promising scientists and physician-scientists; (3) Facilitate the development and progress of the DRP projects and the transition of successful projects into competitive applications for peer-reviewed funding; and (4) Support SPORE DRP awardees to ensure that scientific advances are translated into improved outcomes for liver cancer patients. DRP awardees will have full access to SPORE Core resources, will benefit from the expertise and leadership of the SPORE investigators (who may serve as collaborators), and will be an integral part of SPORE meetings, where they will regularly present their work. Metrics of success for DRP recipients include: invitations to present at national and international scientific meetings; successful competition for independent NIH grant support (in particular R01 grants); and publication of original research studies in the supported area. DRP projects that make significant progress towards their translational goals have the potential to be promoted to main SPORE projects. The DRP serves as a pipeline to translate rich in-house basic science discoveries and innovative technologies to the care of liver cancer patients, and supports the Liver Cancer SPORE to make sustainable translational impact toward the goal of reducing liver cancer mortality in Texas and the U.S.