Proposal for NCI Research Specialist (Clinician Scientist) Award

University Of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore MD

Investigators

Abstract

Dr. Mark Mishra plays a critical role in the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center’s (UMGCCC) clinical trials program and in supporting NCI-funded research. As Associate Director of the University of Maryland Cancer Network and Vice Chair of Clinical Research in Radiation Oncology, Dr. Mishra is focused on expanding NCI-funded clinical trial activities across the UMGCCC catchment area and growing access to cutting-edge cancer treatments. His five primary goals include: 1) expanding access to NCI-sponsored clinical trials at new network sites; 2) fostering partnerships with health system leaders to secure institutional support for NCI-funded research across the state; 3) engaging and training community oncologists to actively participate in NCI trials, especially those at recently acquired network sites who may be new to research; 4) strengthening bidirectional engagement with local communities to align trial offerings with specific community health needs; and 5) increasing clinical trial enrollment across the State of Maryland. Dr. Mishra has been a local PI for numerous NCTN studies and is UMGCCC’s institutional PI for NRG Oncology. Nationally, he serves on the NRG Brain Tumor Core Committee and as Comparative Effectiveness Co-Chair for NRG CC009. His experience has also included co-chairing the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Foundation Research Committee, where he supports investigators in developing trials with the potential to evolve into future NCTN studies. Dr. Mishra’s leadership extends beyond trial development, as he dedicates substantial effort to mentoring junior faculty within the Cancer Network, fostering long-term stability for the institution’s NCI-funded clinical research program. The R50 Research Specialist Award will provide protected time and resources for Dr. Mishra to further expand NCI-funded research, enhance the infrastructure for UMGCCC’s clinical trials program, and increase trial awareness across the University of Maryland Cancer Network.