Developmental Research Program (DRP): Project Summary / Abstract The Developmental Research Program (DRP) will support the efforts of the Genetics and Genomics of Leiomyosarcoma (LMS): Improved understanding of cancer biology and new approaches to diagnosis and treatment SPORE. This DRP will complement or enhance the variety and depth of sarcoma translational research, seeking to ensure continual renewal of high-quality translational scientific investigation. The DRP supports short-range studies to establish the data needed to facilitate hypothesis-driven translational projects. Although the DRP will fund established investigators, an important goal is to identify and stimulate interest in sarcoma research among groups whose current focus may be different but sufficiently and transitionally related. In addition, we seek to attract early and mid- career investigators and especially Black and Latino or Hispanic investigators. Co-directing this program will be Steven Robinson, Associate Professor of Medicine at Mayo School of Medicine. Dr. Robinson is a Jamaican born man educated in Jamaica. For the past 4 years he has been supported by career development grants to Mayo Clinic including the institutional K12 as well as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Amos Medical Faculty Development Program. Dr. Robinson is recent recipient of Department of Defense IDEA Award. He also leads a ETCTN clinical trial that evaluates the combination of TVEC with radiation therapy for localized sarcoma. Dr. Robinson will also participate in this SPORE by co-leading our efforts to improve diversity in patients enrolled in clinical trials as well as increasing minority faculty participation. Dr. Baker is the Co-Director of this DRP. He is the SPORE Principal Investigator. Dr. Baker has made important contributions to the treatment of sarcomas beginning with the initial identification of doxorubicin as an effective drug in sarcoma patients; the establishment of neo-adjuvant therapy strategy making osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma curable diseases. Dr. Baker has an outstanding record of leadership and collaboration within the sarcoma translational research field. Dr. Baker is most proud of his mentorship efforts. Now 15 Professors of Medicine claim Dr Baker as their mentor. Robinson and Baker are joined by a highly qualified committee of experienced clinician-scientists (DRP Committee) which reviews and evaluates new pilot projects as the basis of providing recommendations to the SPORE Executive Committee (Chair, Judy Garber) and the SPORE MPI, who bear the responsibility to select DRP projects appropriate for funding. The DRP Committee includes members from major cancer centers who possess expertise in key aspects of sarcoma science and therapeutics, including biology and genetics, correlative science, sarcoma pathology, molecular diagnostics, sarcoma drug resistance, immuno-oncology and statistical design and analysis. The DRP will provide the depth required to maintain inn...