# Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program

> **NIH NIH P30** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2021 · $29,494

## Abstract

ABSTRACT, Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program (TMM)
The Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program (TMM) is a highly interactive Program in which members
combine basic, fundamental research expertise to understand the biology of cancer cell autonomous effects in
relation to paracrine actions and specific components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) within the primary
tumor and at distant metastatic sites and to study the systemic effects of those interactions. The basic work of
TMM in predominately “solid” tumors mirrors the basic research in “liquid tumors” conducted by HHM which
provides the backdrop for translating their findings into the clinic through collaborations with the clinical and
translational members of EDT and CPC. Understanding the factors released by the TME into the systemic
circulation will provide novel diagnostic strategies, whereas understanding how the TME nurtures cancer cells
to enhance invasion and the respective clinical sequelae, will lead to new cancer prevention and treatment
strategies. The goals of TMM are to translate discoveries of the pathobiology of solid tumors, the TME, and
systemic effects of metastases into new cancer targets and novel therapies, so as to prevent metastases and
sequelae. TMM advances this vision by focusing on two overarching themes: Theme 1 is focused on cancer
cell-stroma interactions and their roles in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. These interactions
involve TME components such as cancer-associated fibroblasts, myeloid derived suppressor cells,
macrophages, T and B lymphocytes and the extracellular matrix; Theme 2 encompasses the systemic effects of
metastases and the mechanisms that contribute to perturbations in muscle, bone and cognitive functions and
respective clinical sequelae. During the past five years, there have been several notable successes, including
the funding of a SPORE in hyperactive Ras signaling led by work of Dr. Wade Clapp, further development of
working groups in cancers of the pancreas, ovary, and prostate, resulting in increased funding in these areas;
and new insight into musculoskeletal effects of cancer metastasis. Several members from the former Breast
Cancer Program were incorporated into TMM to enhance research expertise in solid cancers. Retreats foster
focused, in depth collaborations. TMM has hosted visiting experts and recruited faculty members with expertise
based on needs identified at the annual retreats. TMM has 28 Full and 8 Associate Members, representing 17
Departments and 5 Schools on the campuses of Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University-
Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and IU Bloomington. The Program has $9.1M in total direct funding (20%
increase since 2013), and $6.8M in peer-reviewed funding, with $2.4M from the NCI and $1.8M from other NIH
Institutes. Over the past funding period, TMM members have authored 394 publications (18% intra-
programmatic, 26% inter-programmatic, and 64% i...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10247616
- **Project number:** 5P30CA082709-22
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Murray Korc
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $29,494
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1999-09-22 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10247616

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10247616, Tumor Microenvironment and Metastasis Program (5P30CA082709-22). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10247616. Licensed CC0.

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