# Developmental Research Program (DRP)

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR · 2024 · $233,774

## Abstract

SUMMMARY: DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM
The Developmental Research Program (DRP) is a vital component of the MD Anderson Cancer Center (MD
Anderson) Brain Cancer SPORE because it promotes highly innovative, translational research pilot projects
that will ultimately lead to clinically testable hypotheses with the potential to reduce incidence and mortality of
brain cancers. The DRP functions as an incubator of new concepts due to strong organization, leadership,
planning, and evaluation. The specific aims of the Developmental Research Program are to:
 1) Publicize the availability of start-up funds for pilot translational brain tumor research projects across a broad
 spectrum of available media sources.
 2) Fund innovative projects that have significant potential for improving brain tumor therapy and prognosis,
 including through better understanding the biology of this disease.
 3) Foster collaborative efforts among SPORE investigators and with other investigators to encourage the
 development of new and innovative ideas.
 4) Enhance communications between SPORE leaders and outside investigators to encourage the development
 of innovative translational strategies in brain tumors.
 5) Ensure program flexibility so that developmental projects that show promise can be funded for a second or
 third year; encouraged to apply for extramural peer-reviewed funding (i.e., R01) or expanded to become full
 SPORE projects.
 6) Recruit women and underrepresented minorities as a special emphasis of the program
The Brain Cancer SPORE has established clear guidelines and processes for solicitation, selection, and
 monitoring of the Developmental Research Awards, including specific criteria for selection and funding through
 a peer review mechanism, and mechanisms for close monitoring of, and collaboration between the SPORE
 leaders and program awardees to maximize translational research goals. In the past 5 funded budget periods,
 we initiated support of new ideas funding 34 awards, two of which contributed to the Projects of this renewal
application. The advances made by investigators in the DRP testify to the success of this program as
 implemented in this MD Anderson Brain Cancer SPORE, including publications in high impact peer-reviewed
 journals, and the acquisition of additional NIH and other funding directly related to DRP projects. The DRP
 has become a cornerstone of our Brain cancer SPORE.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10847573
- **Project number:** 2P50CA127001-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF TX MD ANDERSON CAN CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Juan Fueyo
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $233,774
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2008-09-01 → 2029-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10847573

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10847573, Developmental Research Program (DRP) (2P50CA127001-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10847573. Licensed CC0.

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