# The Northwestern University Cancer Health Equity Research SPORE (NU-CHERS)

> **NIH NIH P20** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $1,002,637

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Centered in Chicago, one of the most diverse yet segregated cities with some of the most striking health
disparities in the US, this P20 feasibility and planning proposal to develop the Northwestern University Cancer
Health Equity Research SPORE (NU-CHERS) will generate scientific findings and establish sustainable,
collaborative, academic and community infrastructure that will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive
translational cancer research program focused on gynecologic cancer health disparities. In this proposal, we set
our initial translational research focus on endometrial and ovarian cancer disparities as experienced by Black
women. This NU-CHERS P20 program leverages outstanding translational research capacity at Northwestern
University and its NCI-designated Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Research Project 1
investigates racial disparities in endometrial cancer through tumor genomics. Findings will generate critical
information that not only deepens our understanding of the biological racial differences in endometrial tumors
but can be used as a predictive measure for racial differences in response to treatments. Research Project 2
focuses on racial differences in DNA methylation events in ovarian cancer which may impact response to
platinum-based ovarian cancer treatment and explain the striking disparity in survival experienced by Black
women. The study will define the methylomes of high-grade serous ovarian cancer in Black and White women
as well as develop high-grade serous ovarian cancer-derived patient derived xenografts (PDX) and organoids
from which response of these models to platinum will be assessed in vitro and in vivo. Findings will define
pathways and genes regulated epigenetically, which could account for disparity in clinical outcomes and may
become relevant targets for intervention. To support these projects and build a solid infrastructure for a future
funded gynecologic cancer health disparities P50 SPORE, we propose two Cores. The Administrative Core (AC)
is the focal point for scientific, fiscal and administrative oversight and integration. The Gynecologic Biospecimen
Pathology Core (GBPC) will maintain tissue/blood repositories for current and future NU-CHERS projects, in
partnership with the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County to enhance the availability of minority
gynecologic biospecimens available to NU-CHERS researchers. In addition, we propose a Developmental
Research Program (DRP) to support NU-CHERS infrastructure development goals and pipeline of translational
research excellence. The NU-CHERS P20 team is comprised of basic, translational, and clinical investigators
with synergistic strengths poised to forge a lasting translational research program focused on understanding and
reducing gynecologic cancer disparities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10488603
- **Project number:** 5P20CA233304-03
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MELISSA A. SIMON
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $1,002,637
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2020-09-17 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10488603

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10488603, The Northwestern University Cancer Health Equity Research SPORE (NU-CHERS) (5P20CA233304-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10488603. Licensed CC0.

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