CURED Overall Abstract
Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center (DLDCCC) at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) and Texas
Southern University (TSU) are jointly submitting a P20 application to build a collaborative partnership in cancer
research, education, and outreach. DLDCCC is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated cancer center. TSU
is one of the nation’s largest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) serving underserved
populations and underrepresented students (ISUPSs). BCM and TSU have had several successful
collaborations. This relationship was strengthened recently through TSU’s U54 “Center for Biomedical and
Minority Health Research”, where BCM faculty have partnered closely on collaborative cancer disparities
community education and outreach. This P20 program provides an excellent opportunity for TSU and BCM to
expand collaborations. We propose a BCM-TSU P20 program “Collaborative Union for Cancer Research,
Education and Disparities” (CURED) that will foster strong collaborations utilizing our complementary strengths.
Overall objectives are to create a shared infrastructure that will provide an optimal environment for cancer
research, education, community outreach, and career development and diversify the biomedical workforce.
CURED was established under the direction of senior leadership at each institution, reflected in the significant
institutional support for this partnership. BCM has committed $160,000/year for four years in cost matching funds,
$ 50,000 for Pilot project 2 for one year, and committed funds to support the training of TSU summer students
in the Cancer Research Education Program. TSU has committed to return the Indirect Cost allocation amounting
to $98,000 each year. All TSU investigators are members of the DLDCCC. Leaders of each institution are thus
committed to empower the P20 partnership to address cancer health disparities among URM and underserved
populations in Houston. Our goals are to (1) establish a collaborative alliance between BCM and TSU for cancer
research, education, and community outreach. We will (a) establish CURED offices in both institutions that will
provide coordination for relevant activities, evaluate progress of current projects, and ensure a pipeline of
innovative pilot projects; (b) centralize institutional resources for faculty/trainee research needs (c) lead a cancer
research and career development program for TSU students that includes mentored cancer research, an
educational curriculum, hands-on training in emerging technologies, and professional development; (d) build a
BCM/TSU comprehensive outreach program to address cancer disparities at the bench, bedside, and within the
community; and (2) to support a pipeline of collaborative innovative cancer research pilot projects.
Overall Impact: We are certain that the proposed CURED will enhance cancer research education capacity at
TSU, promote a diverse research workforce, and improve BCM/DLDCCC’s effectiveness in developing and
sustaining research programs focused on cancer health disparities. We will develop sustainable research
capacity leading to independent and collaborative applications to the NIH/other Federal/Non-federal agencies.