OSU K12 Training Grant in Oncology

The Ohio State University (OSU) is proud to submit this renewal application to the Paul Calabresi Career Development Award for Clinical Oncology (K12) mechanism. The overall goal of this renewal proposal is to effectively mentor and train faculty level investigators in basic science and clinical approaches to translational research so they may have successful careers in cancer experimental therapeutics and other therapeutic modalities including radiation oncology, surgical oncology and cancer prevention, control and survivorship research. Aim 1 is to provide individualized career development support to ensure a cadre of physician scientists and cancer clinicians who collaborate to design and conduct hypothesis-driven clinical cancer research. Aim 2 is to provide scholars with educational opportunities and scientific training to enhance their knowledge base and ability to conduct hypothesis driven cancer clinical research. Multi-PIs William E. Carson III, MD and Rosa Lapalombella, PhD will guide this program into its second decade of existence and continue their oversight of early career investigators who will dedicate their careers to the prevention and treatment of cancer. A customized mentorship team will be developed for each K12 Scholar and they will guide the Scholar in their development of an Individual Development Plan. Each Scholar is required to join the laboratory of an accomplished Translational Research Mentor for the 2-3 year period of their appointment. So-called “dry lab” opportunities in population sciences and health outcomes research are encouraged. This research experience will be the source of the preclinical data that will support subsequent investigator-initiated trials (IITs). A Clinical Preceptor will provide guidance on clinical translation and a newly instituted Peer Mentor program provides support from a committed colleague. The educational curriculum has three distinct components: 1) Fundamentals of translational oncology; 2) Essential skills necessary for academic success; 3) Career-building activities and integration into the professional sphere. Scholars are encouraged to enroll in an MPH in Clinical Translational Science. A rigorous process for clincial trial development and implementation is in place and Scholars have benefited from new grant- writing courses such as the R Club. The evaluative process has been redesigned resulting in changes to the program’s educational offerings (Genomics Workshop), mentorship structure (Peer Mentors) and community- building approach (K Breakfast). The Scholar selection process has identified a diverse group of early career investigators (36% minority, 36% female) that have exhibited drive and energy. 14 Scholars have generated 18 IITs and published over 200 K12-related manuscripts. 8 of 8 graduated Scholars have peer-reviewed funding as a PI (7/8 NIH) and half have R01 awards. Drs. Carson and Lapalombella will utilize the extensive educational, translational and clinical trial resources that are available at The Ohio State University to create a cadre of highly trained clinicians dedicated to the development of new treatments, targeted therapies, diagnostics and social strategies that will benefit patients with cancer and lead to longer life.