What is a SPORE?
A Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant is a prestigious award funded by the National Cancer Institute to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research. SPORE grants involve both basic and clinical/applied scientists and support projects that will result in new and diverse approaches to the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of human cancers.
Pacific Northwest SPORE
Prostate cancer cells
STTR cancer researchers at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center lead the Pacific Northwest Prostate Cancer SPORE, which is one of only eight Prostate Cancer SPOREs across the nation. Originally awarded in 2002, this 5-year grant has been competitively renewed two times, most recently in 2013. Its longevity speaks to the innovative and groundbreaking progress achieved by this team.
The PNW Prostate Cancer SPORE includes partnerships with the University of Washington, the University of British Columbia and its affiliate, the Vancouver Prostate Centre, and the Oregon Health and Science University Knight Cancer Institute. These diverse teams of STTR cancer clinicians and researchers bring the considerable scientific depth, breadth, creativity and vision required for a collective goal of reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with prostate cancer.
Our SPORE is comprised of five major research programs
PROJECT ONE: Studies how molecular predictors of prostate cancer effect progression and mortality in patients. Currently it is very difficult to accurately predict which patients will have a tumor that will become life threatening. We are studying a large number of patients to better define and use DNA genetic information to inform treatment decisions.
PROJECT TWO: Examines the role of a particular gene, LSD1, in prostate cancer survival by studying tumor cells collected from men on the same cancer clinical trial.
PROJECT THREE: Is studying a brand new type of therapy on a special cohort of therapy resistant patients in hopes of a different result.
PROJECT FOUR: Closely relates as it is trying to understand the biology behind tumors that are resistant to treatment, and are therefore highly lethal.
PROJECT FIVE: Explores how specific markers predict response to prostate cancer treatments in the androgen reception pathway through exploiting the mechanisms of response and resistance.
Please visit PNW Prostate Cancer SPORE to learn more, and see which of your doctors are involved in this research.
