Contact:
Jorge Gomez, M.D., Ph.D.
Organ Systems Coordinating Branch
Office of Centers, Training and Resources
ODDES, NCI
Telephone: (301) 496-8528
E-Mail: jg1w@nih.gov

Objective of Project:
The objective of this initiative is to establish a Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) in Ovarian Cancer. A SPORE conducts translational research that requires interdependence between basic and clinical investigators in both the planning and implementation of research and emphasizes the application of basic research findings to patients and populations.

Description of Project:
A SPORE is awarded to an institution that will make a strong institutional commitment to the organization and conduct of the program. The SPORE must demonstrate a balanced approach to research on prevention, etiology, screening, diagnosis and treatment of human ovarian cancer that translates basic research findings into more applied, innovative research settings involving patients and populations. A SPORE must provide career development opportunities for new, independent investigators who wish to pursue active research careers in translational ovarian cancer research; develop human ovarian cancer tissue resources that will benefit translational research; develop extended collaborations in critical areas of research need with laboratory scientists and physician scientists within the institution and in other institutions; and participate with other SPORES on an annual basis to share information, assess scientific progress in the field and identify new research opportunities that may have an impact in reducing ovarian cancer incidence and mortality. It is expected that each SPORE will support a mix of interactive basic and applied research that "translates" into areas of early detection, diagnosis, therapy, and prevention and control. The SPORE mechanism is not intended to support basic research to the exclusion of clinical or applied research.