Developmental Research Program

The Developmental Research Program (DRP) of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (HCC) Head and Neck (HN) SPORE seeks to fund and facilitate translationally driven, innovative pilot projects in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The overarching goal is to decrease HNSCC morbidity and mortality through stimulating new research in the areas of prevention and early detection; mechanisms of tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance; predictive and prognostic biomarkers; and novel targets and approaches to therapy. To accomplish this goal, we will build on our successful program that, in this current funding cycle, supported 15 awards that subsequently contributed to 42 publications, 9 external grants, 3 patents, 6 inventions and 2 clinical trials, with a return on investment of 27.2 (ie. for every dollar invested 27.2 were returned). Biannually, we will widely solicit proposals from investigators new to HNSCC research as well as from established HNSCC investigators with highly innovative ideas. Members of the Internal and External Advisory Boards will be encouraged to identify investigators outside of the HCC HN SPORE who could serve as potential collaborators. The most meritorious proposals submitted will be selected based on an NIH-style two-tiered review to ensure rigor, with support coming from both SPORE funds and institutional commitment. DRP awardees new to HNSCC will be assigned an experienced mentor to provide guidance and integration into the SPORE. All DRP awardees will report annually on the progress of their projects and those that demonstrate significant research progress will be eligible for competitive renewal for a second year. Should the need arise, exceptional pilots with potential for significant translational impact can be elevated to full SPORE projects. Indeed, two of the three full SPORE projects in this renewal came from DRP pilots.