Developmental Research Program (DRP)

The Developmental Research Program (DRP) is a vital component of the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD Anderson) Brain Cancer SPORE because it promotes highly innovative, translational research pilot projects that will ultimately lead to clinically testable hypotheses with the potential to reduce incidence and mortality of brain cancers. The DRP functions as an incubator of new concepts due to strong organization, leadership, planning, and evaluation. The specific aims of the Developmental Research Program are to: 1) Publicize the availability of start-up funds for pilot translational brain tumor research projects across a broad spectrum of available media sources. 2) Fund innovative projects that have significant potential for improving brain tumor therapy and prognosis, including through better understanding the biology of this disease. 3) Foster collaborative efforts among SPORE investigators and with other investigators to encourage the development of new and innovative ideas. 4) Enhance communications between SPORE leaders and outside investigators to encourage the development of innovative translational strategies in brain tumors. 5) Ensure program flexibility so that developmental projects that show promise can be funded for a second or third year; encouraged to apply for extramural peer-reviewed funding (i.e., R01) or expanded to become full SPORE projects. The Brain Cancer SPORE has established clear guidelines and processes for solicitation, selection, and monitoring of the Developmental Research Awards, including specific criteria for selection and funding through a peer review mechanism, and mechanisms for close monitoring of, and collaboration between the SPORE leaders and program awardees to maximize translational research goals. In the past 5 funded budget periods, we initiated support of new ideas funding 34 awards, two of which contributed to the Projects of this renewal application. The advances made by investigators in the DRP testify to the success of this program as implemented in this MD Anderson Brain Cancer SPORE, including publications in high impact peer-reviewed journals, and the acquisition of additional NIH and other funding directly related to DRP projects. The DRP has become a cornerstone of our Brain cancer SPORE.