# Integrative Training Program in Cancer Biology

> **NIH NIH T32** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $363,479

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
This proposal seeks support for launching a new “Integrative Training in Cancer Biology” (ITCB) program, which
will be supervised by a select group of cancer scientists affiliated with the Massey Cancer Center (MCC) at the
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a 47-year National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. The
program will provide contemporary training in cancer biology to both predoctoral and postdoctoral participants,
with priority opportunities given to traditionally underrepresented individuals in cancer biology, including women,
racial/ethnic minorities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and those whose families have likely
experienced deep-rooted generational health inequalities. Known national inequality in advanced training
opportunities and health care are interrelated and intrinsically shape each other. It is within this context that the
ITCB program, which will not only provide the most contemporary training in cancer biology but also an intentional
focus on developing scientific approaches designed to address cancer disparities and the important role of
community engagement in research, will ultimately succeed in offsetting the significant cancer disparities faced
not only by MCC’s immediate catchment area but throughout the nation. The ITCB program aims to provide a
two-year training experience to three new predoctoral trainees and one postdoctoral trainee each year, 20 total
trainees over the five-year project period. The main programmatic objectives of the ITCB program are to 1) match
trainees with a mentorship team who will develop a tailored cancer biology-training experience and career
development plan; 2) demonstrate best practices for incorporating community engagement into the design,
implementation, and dissemination of research; 3) provide workshops and hands-on training with experts in
cutting-edge biotechnologies; 4) offer interactive engagement through a unique cancer biology curriculum
infused with the principles of community engagement and cancer disparities; a cancer biology journal club; and
an ITCB program monthly meeting to discuss research in progress, the latest advances in cancer science, and
best practices for laboratory management and career development; 5) promote interdisciplinary engagement
through MCC-sponsored program meetings, seminars, and retreats; 6) afford opportunities to network nationally
through attendance at professional cancer research conferences; and 7) support trainees in developing
extramural, peer-reviewed grant applications and submitting manuscripts based on their research. The ITCB
program will be under the leadership of a Program Director and two Associate Directors who have substantial
backgrounds in cancer biology and notable leadership experiences. The program will receive evaluative input
from an external and an internal advisory committee, and the program faculty includes prominent MCC scientists
who reside in an outstanding interdiscipli...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10876451
- **Project number:** 5T32CA272382-02
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Azeddine Atfi
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $363,479
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-07-01 → 2028-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10876451

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10876451, Integrative Training Program in Cancer Biology (5T32CA272382-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10876451. Licensed CC0.

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