Cancer Biology Training Grant

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Ensuring that the next generation of cancer researchers is developing not only the skills to perform high-caliber basic research, but also a deep appreciation for the disease as clinicians see it, is critical for bridging the divide between bench and bedside. To address this need, we developed the current iteration of our NCI-funded T32, entering its 25 year, named the Cancer Biology Training Grant (CBTG). The CBTG draws on 50 Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) research mentors to train 3 postdocs and 1 predoc. The Case CCC is a matrix Cancer Center based at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) linking all cancer-related research efforts across three institutions: CWRU, University Hospitals (UH), and the Cleveland Clinic (CC). Distinguishing features of the current CBTG application include: (i) a highly supportive environment, as Case CCC earned an “Exceptional” rating at its most recent CCSG renewal in 2018; (ii) innovative training program comprised of four major pillars: Mentored Research, Career Enhancement activities, a Clinical Perspective, and a robust Curriculum; (iii) Mentors that provide a wealth of opportunities for cancer biology training, interconnected through programmatic activities across the Center; and (iv) a highly selective trainee pool together with productive research careers for those appointed to the program. Many activities for appointees are T32-specific/selective, including robust grant-writing and reviewing experience, mentoring of undergrads in our summer undergraduate research program (CanSUR), an IDP Dinner with the PD and AD, attendance at Junior Faculty Mentoring sessions, experience organizing a retreat, and attendance at the Cancer Biology Training Consortium (CABTRAC) annual meeting. Clinical Perspective elements include a Case CCC Bench-to-Bedside Retreat, monthly Cancer Biology Trainees’ Seminar Series (with clinical fellows and K12 faculty), attendance at an Interdisciplinary Tumor Board, Clinical Case Report presentations to undergrads, and shadowing of physician- scientists. Taken together, training in the CBTG will provide the fundamental skills necessary for outstanding careers in biomedical cancer research, together with a deep appreciation of the challenges and complexity of cancer in the clinical setting.