Clinical Investigation and Precision Therapy

CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS AND PRECISION THERAPEUTICS PROGRAM PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Clinical Investigations and Precision Therapeutics (CIPT) Program provides a translational bridge between the basic and population science Programs and the clinic, while conducting its own focused research. The CIPT Program is built upon the following aims: 1) targeting metabolic, cell death and survival pathways in cancer; 2) targeting DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint abnormalities in cancer; 3) targeting the immune microenvironment in cancer in close collaboration with CMI investigators; and 4) investigating markers of response and resistance to cancer therapy. The Program seeks to fulfill these aims by: 1) translating outstanding science across the center into early phase trials; 2) developing novel diagnostic, prevention, and therapeutic strategies; and 3) promoting bidirectional translation from bench to bedside and back. The CIPT Program consists of 80 Members from 21 Departments, 8 Schools, and 2 Universities. The CIPT Program has recruited 46 new Members since the prior NCI site visit. As of November 1, 2022, CIPT Program Members have 19 NIH R01 or equivalent grants (with 15 different, independent PD/PIs), including 21 multi- PI projects. CIPT research is supported by $5.3 million in cancer-relevant funding (including $4.0 million in funding from the NCI, a 56% increase since the last review). CIPT members published 988 peer-reviewed, and cancer-relevant papers with 204 appearing in high-impact journals (IF>10). At the prior competitive renewal, the CIPT Program was rated Excellent to Outstanding. In response to opportunities for improvement identified by the review team, the CIPT Program increased its peer-reviewed funding and multi-PI grants and number of Members leading clinical trials; successfully competed for multi-project grants including P01s and U-grants; maintained a high level of successful scientific and clinical translation from the Molecular Tumor Board (MTB) and Precision Oncology Initiative, and initiated the Committee to Expedite Translational Initiatives (CETI), which meets regularly to identify, prioritize, and fund specific scientific projects that have greatest potential for successful clinical translation. In addition, a dedicated CIPT Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Program Liaison meets regularly with community members, COE leadership and CIPT investigators to enhance dialogue and increase the focus on catchment area relevant research.