Translational Research in Malignancies

Northwestern University At Chicago, Evanston IL

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

ABSTRACT – TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN MALIGNANCIES The Translational Research in Malignancies (TRIM) Program of the Lurie Cancer Center (LCC) is a highly interactive program that facilitates translational and clinical research centered on the development and testing of novel therapies in preclinical cancer models and clinical trials. TRIM is the key channel for translating basic science discoveries by LCC members to the clinic. TRIM evolved from the previous TRIST (Translational Research in Solid Tumors) program during the LCC program structure re-organization, as part of the strategic planning process, to align and optimize clinical translation for all different types of malignancies. TRIM members investigate mechanisms of malignant transformation and therapy resistance, develop biomarkers of treatment response, and test novel therapies in preclinical models and innovative clinical trials. The program has three aims: 1) Characterize and target molecular mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression; (2) Understand and overcome mechanisms of treatment resistance; and (3) Translate scientific discoveries into novel therapeutic clinical trials. This interdisciplinary inter-departmental program consists of 65 members, representing 14 departments and two schools. During the current period, TRIM program members published 2347 cancer-relevant publications, of which 742 (32%) represent intra-programmatic collaborations and 671 (29%) inter-programmatic collaborations. Notably, 980 (42%) were published in high impact journals, with an impact factor > 10. Active funding for the TRIM program during the last budget year is $35,343,457 (direct). Peer-reviewed funding for program members totaled $22,337,852 (direct), with $8,945,595 (direct) from the NCI, $7,479,807 (direct) from other NIH institutes and $5,912,450 from other peer-reviewed mechanisms. Major accomplishments over this grant period include renewal of the Prostate and Brain Cancer SPOREs, and several new multi-PI U54 and multi-PI collaborative R01 projects. TRIM accrual to interventional clinical trials included 4249 patients (3656 in interventional therapeutic trials), of whom 1667 (39%) were accrued to investigator-initiated interventional trials (IITs), including 1263 patients enrolled on therapeutic IITs. TRIM clinical research activities are coordinated through 15 inter-disciplinary disease teams which directly interact with members of Basic Science programs and the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE). Grants supporting training and education include two T32 grants, several F grants, and a philanthropy-funded unique T32-like program specifically designed for translational research training (T2LCC). The Program Leaders Daniela Matei, Lucy Godley, and Roger Stupp are well known physician-scientists and clinical investigators with distinguished careers in cancer research and complementary skills and expertise. They work together to foster collaborative interactions among program members through regular clinical and research-oriented conferences, retreats, and other program activities.