Cancer Metabolism and Immunology

CANCER METABOLISM AND IMMUNOLOGY PROGRAM PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Cancer Metabolism and Immunology (CMI) Program has evolved as a base for research in both cancer metabolism and immunology focused on the interplay between the disciplines. The foundation of the CMI program is built upon the following aims: 1) to delineate the role of cell metabolism in the control of tumor cell growth, proliferation, and survival and to modulate metabolic pathways to improve cancer therapy; 2) to identify the metabolic, physical, and immunological relationships between the tumor and host to identify new approaches to cancer therapy; and 3) to discover and develop innovative immune-based cancer treatment strategies including cell and gene therapy approaches. The CMI program consists of 54 members across Rutgers, Princeton, and Rowan Universities. The CMI Program has recruited 14 new members since the prior NCI site visit. As of November 1, 2022, CMI Program Members have 44 NIH R01 or equivalent grants (with 32 different, independent PD/PIs), including 15 multi-PI projects. CMI research is supported by $12.4 million in cancer-relevant funding (including $3.3 million in funding from the NCI, a 25% increase since the last review). CMI members published 647 peer-reviewed, and cancer-relevant papers with 277 appearing in high-impact journals (impact factor ≥10). CMI (previously CMG) was rated Excellent in the last review. In response to opportunities for improvement identified by the review team, the CMI program increased high-impact research and collaborative grants with cancer relevance, including through the newly established CINJ Cancer Immunology and Metabolism Center of Excellence and the Ludwig Princeton Branch as a collaboration between the Ludwig Cancer Research Institute, Princeton, CINJ and the RWJBarnabas Health System. CMI members also successfully competed for the new multi-project CRUK/NCI Cancer Grand Challenges Award to study cancer cachexia. CMI also enhanced the interaction among the three Aims and strengthened tumor immunology research. In addition, the CMI Program has joined efforts with the Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) team to promote catchment area responsive and community engaged research. Program Members have 15 active R01 or R01 equivalent grants that directly address our CA Priority cancer s and risk factors. Program Members were also awarded a T32 postdoctoral training grant, led by PIs at Rutgers and Princeton. With the high level of scientific expertise and collaborations between academic institutions, the CMI Program is now positioned to be a world leader in cancer metabolism and immunology research.