Experimental Therapeutics in Cancer Training Program - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT There is a significant unmet need to train both basic and clinical researchers in the skills needed to pioneer novel translational research and develop the next generation of innovative cancer therapeutics. The proposed Experimental Therapeutics in Cancer (ETC) training program will leverage the research and training strengths of the Knight Cancer Institute (KCI), an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), to provide an immersive 2-year postdoctoral training program in oncological drug development. OHSU was recently ranked among the top young universities in life sciences research in the world in the Nature Index and, notably, OHSU and the Knight Cancer Institute are home to the Center for Experimental Therapeutics (CET) that serves as a central hub for discovering and developing new cancer treatments to improve patient outcomes. The ETC training program brings together resources and a multidisciplinary group of preclinical and clinical mentors and trainees to accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into effective therapies. A key strength of the training program will be fostering collaboration and communication between the basic and clinical science spheres. The program offers interprofessional training for PhD and MD postdoctoral fellows with required co-mentorship by both basic and clinical faculty. We propose to train a total of 9 individual PhD and MD scientists in this two-year program to position them for successful careers in translational oncology. ETC trainees will participate in preclinical research projects focused on designing novel molecules, validating therapeutic targets, performing lead optimization, developing biomarkers, and/or studying agents in preclinical models. In addition to course work, including Drug Discovery and Development and Responsible Conduct of Research, PhD and MD trainees will participate in clinical rotations and learn early phase trial design and related regulatory requirements. The program emphasizes professional skills development, including oral and written communication and grant preparation. Trainees will have a supported opportunity to develop mentorship skills through mentoring a summer intern from one of the pathway programs at OHSU/KCI designed to increase the participation of students from backgrounds underrepresented in biomedical research. The 37 training faculty in the program have broad experience in oncology research, therapeutic development, and translational medicine. ETC training faculty have outstanding track records in mentorship and research, with an average of >$1,000,000/year in research funding. The ETC program is designed to train the next generation of translational investigators in oncology with the necessary skills to translate preclinical research into novel therapeutics to reduce the burden of cancer.
