Core A: Administrative Core

For reasons unknown, Texas has one of the highest incidence rates of kidney cancer in the US. UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW), together with its affiliates, the county hospital, Parkland Memorial Hospital (staffed by UTSW faculty), and Texas Health Resources, cares for 57% of all new kidney cancer patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. At UTSW Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center (SCCC), kidney cancer is the 5th most common tumor type. In 2013, the Kidney Cancer Program (KCP) was inaugurated. Recognized with a Leaders in Clinical Excellence Program Award and a finalist for the metroplex Innovation in Healthcare Award, the KCP has been a trailblazer. Directed by Dr. Brugarolas, and with the goal to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary research to translate discovery and technical innovation at UTSW, the KCP provides a foundation for the UTSW Kidney SPORE and serves as a vehicle for its integration within UTSW/SCCC. As the coordinating hub of the SPORE, the Administrative Core provides essential administrative services and organizational support to the SPORE as a whole. The Director of the Core, Dr. Brugarolas, will continue to provide overall direction and scientific leadership, promote multidisciplinary interactions, and oversee fiscal management and reporting. His scientific background, experience across the research continuum and administrative roles enable him to serve as an effective overall SPORE PI and Director of the Administrative Core. Dr. Kapur, Co-Leader of the KCP and previously SPORE PI successor, has been promoted to SPORE PI and Core A Co-Director. Dr. Conacci-Sorrell, Co-Leader of the CEP, will also be joining the Administrative Core as Co-Director. An Executive Committee comprised of representatives from all Projects and Cores provides advice on SPORE strategic directions, departmental and administrative interactions, faculty recruitment, and resource allocation. A Patient Advocacy team representing the spectrum of the cancer experience (from current patients to cancer survivors and caregivers) is actively engaged in leading community and educational events, fundraising, and perhaps most inspiringly, volunteering at SCCC clinics to assist other patients. An Internal Advisory Board made up of institutional leaders serves as a sounding board, and an External Advisory Board of leaders in their fields with complementary expertise assists by evaluating progress and providing input on future directions. The KCP/SPORE benefits from a strong commitment from both UTSW and the SCCC with each committing $200,000 yearly to promote kidney cancer research, thereby extending the reach of the CEP and DRP programs, as well as $1,100,000 in recruitment funds. Core A will continue to fulfill its objectives through the following Aims. Aim 1: Partnering with the SCCC and UTSW to advance a program of excellence in kidney cancer. Aim 2: Serving and engaging the kidney cancer patient population. Aim 3: Furthering a state-of-the-art translational kidney cancer research program. Aim 4: Recruiting investigators through successful Developmental Research and Career Enhancement Programs. Aim 5: Supporting and leading national initiatives.