Cancer Biology Training Program

This application seeks continued support for a predoctoral Cancer Biology Training Program (CBTP) sponsored by the Eppley Institute, an academic unit of the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), with a sole focus on basic, translational and clinical cancer research. The Eppley Institute is a major component of the NCI- designated Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), which serves a large section of the West North Central Region, or “Heartland”, of the United States. Thus, the Eppley Institute and the CBTP play an important regional role in training future basic and clinical scientists for a career in cancer research. The continued success of the CBTP over the past four years reflects further expansion of the Cancer Center, with new leadership, an increase in state-of-the-art research space, a growing faculty, and a robust research base. Institutional commitment to the Program remains strong. The opening of an integrated cancer research and clinical facility (the FPBCC complex) in 2017 continues to challenge trainees to consider how their research may be translated into improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer on a daily basis. This NCI T32 has been a major catalyst for state-of-the-art training in cancer research at UNMC, which attracts a large national pool of training grant- eligible predoctoral trainees each year. Thirty-three CBTP mentors have a wide variety of wxpertise in basic, translational and clinical cancer research and a strong track record of mentoring. Translational research by CBTP faculty in biomarker discovery and therapeutic development for pancreatic/gastrointestinal cancer is internationally recognized, and Rapid Autopsy/Organ Harvest Programs provide a unique collection of specimens for studies on pancreatic and prostate cancer. Research strength in hematological malignancies and hormone-driven cancers is also available to trainees. During the reporting period, a new administrative structure was introduced and major new initiatives were designed to keep pace with modern developments, enhance the distinctiveness of NRSA-supported training, and respond to feedback from trainees and advisory boards. The curriculum has been enhanced by the addition of training in Variability in Cancer Outcomes and Cancer Prevention, as well as T32-specific Hands-on Techniques Workshops in Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics and Spatial Transcriptomics. A trainee-organized annual mini-symposium will continue to provide opportunities for leadership. The success of the CBTP is reflected in the strong publication record of our trainees, low attrition rates (<6%), an improved time to graduation of 4.8 years, an increase in F awards and similar fellowships, and strong outcomes (with 96% of trainees continuing in research or related careers). Students who complete the CBTP have the life-long skills to contribute to the management of cancer in a meaningful way. Continued NRSA support is crucial to sustaining the advances in Program metrics, enabling further enrichment of the training experience, and ensuring the quality and diversity of CBTP trainees.