# MMC, VICC & TSU: Partners in Eliminating Cancer Disparities (3 of 3)

> **NIH NIH U54** · TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $877,180

## Abstract

SUMMARY
Particular emphasis is devoted in the US to identify the determinants of, and eventually remedies, for the
disproportionate share of the cancer burden borne by underrepresented minorities. Incidence rates for many
forms of cancer are higher among blacks than whites. The disparity is compounded by lower rates of relative
survival for almost all cancers, so that age-adjusted mortality rates are substantially higher among African
Americans than whites for about two-thirds of all types of cancers. Our Cancer Partnership provides an
exceptional environment to focus the efforts of diverse investigators working across many disciplines to
address health disparities in NCI designated cancer centers and to develop research infrastructure, capacity
and effectiveness of minority-serving institutions. Collectively, these efforts offer the best opportunity to
overcome cancer disparities and optimize research resources and infrastructure. Our Partnership has matured
and developed strong, successful collaborative interactions based on excellence, true reciprocity and mutual
benefit to achieve this goal. Moreover, this Partnership is geographically placed in a region with the highest
cancer incidence in the US, pointing to the enormous potential for improved outcomes through the proposed
work. We are dedicated to enhancing the strengths and eliminating the weaknesses of our three institutions as
we move toward our shared goal of eliminating cancer disparities. The overall objectives of this competing
renewal application are to: (1) increase and stabilize the competitive cancer research capability of Meharry
Medical College (MMC) and Tennessee State University (TSU); (2) create stable, long-term collaborative
relationships between MMC, TSU and the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) in cancer research,
research education, career development and cancer outreach; (3) expand access to clinical trials for minority
populations served by Nashville General Hospital (NGH)/MMC, and (4) improve the effectiveness of VICC
research, career development, education and outreach activities specifically designed to benefit minority
populations served by VICC. All activities will be monitored by an Internal Advisory Committee and the
Program Steering Committee with representation from the NCI. A sustained and comprehensive Cancer
Partnership is of immense benefit to the three participating institutions as well as the mid-South region of the
US. The common mission statement for our Cancer Partnership is to conduct rigorous basic, translational and
clinical research directed towards the reduction of disparities in the incidence and treatment of cancer through
a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to research, education and community engagement. As a triad we
will amplify cancer research capabilities in the greater Nashville academic and healthcare community, improve
and document outcomes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in minority and underserved communities,
...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10005131
- **Project number:** 5U54CA163066-10
- **Recipient organization:** TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $877,180
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-09-23 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10005131

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10005131, MMC, VICC & TSU: Partners in Eliminating Cancer Disparities (3 of 3) (5U54CA163066-10). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10005131. Licensed CC0.

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