# Core A: Administration, Integration, Education and Career Development

> **NIH NIH P01** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2022 · $125,496

## Abstract

ABSTRACT - CORE A
The current proposal takes a new direction of including immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) therapy within the
existing P01 theme of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)-based combinations guided by molecular mechanisms and
imaging. The renewal application has been revised and each of the critique comments have been addressed
under introduction section and elaborated further under research strategy section. Infact, the theme is
photodynamic priming (PDP) of tumors to make them immune sensitive. This priming enables tumors that were
silent to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) sensitive at lower concentrations with increased efficiency and
tolerability. The P01 has a diversity of skills and geographical locations and the Administrative Core is essential
to ensure an integrated conduct, facile exchange of information and a coordinated use of resources for the
maximal utilization of institutional and NCI-supported resources. The budgets are very limited (average
~$150/year, ~ 50% of an average R01) and therefore the Core and its efforts at coordination of multiple sites,
quality control and project data become critical. An aspiration of the Program is to create an ethos for maximal
integration of the components to better serve this P01, the field of PDT, cancer research, training of the next
generation, clinical translation and the community at large. To this end, the PIs have brought together a team of
new and existing scientists and physicians who already collaborate enthusiastically. The Core also takes a
leadership role in mid-course correction as became necessary with clinical pancreatic cancer project in the last
cycle. In addition to the two broad functions of Scientific and Administrative coordination, the renewal application
retains the goals of career development, intellectual property (IP) development, and data sharing for this Core.
The scientific coordination will be maintained through a variety of mechanisms that will include regular intra- and
inter-Project/Scientific Core meetings (Zoom or in person). This Core will: a) perform monthly reviews and identify
obstacles; b) coordinate meetings with selected collaborators and key personnel; c) organize and follow up on
action plans; d) organize annual SAB meeting and core/project specific discussions; e) As resources permit,
achieve scientific enhancement by inviting speakers with larger perspectives on cancer therapeutics relevant to
the Program, but not directly in PDT. Technologies will get IP protection where appropriate using institutional
resources and find development partners consistent with one of the goals of the NIH Roadmap. In response to
the reviewers’ critiques, a succession plan and a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB)is added instead of the Scientific
Advisory Group. The Core was viewed as successful in the past cycle. Specially noted strengths were career
development efforts, numerous joint publications and leadership. The aims were appreciated for clarity,
constructi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10494488
- **Project number:** 2P01CA084203-17A1
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Tayyaba Hasan
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $125,496
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1999-12-01 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10494488

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10494488, Core A: Administration, Integration, Education and Career Development (2P01CA084203-17A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10494488. Licensed CC0.

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