# Developmental Research Program

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $107,029

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY – DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH PROGRAM (DRP)
 The Developmental Research Program (DRP) of the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (HCC) Head and Neck
(HN) SPORE seeks to fund and facilitate translationally driven, innovative pilot projects in head and neck
squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The overarching goal is to decrease HNSCC morbidity and mortality
through stimulating new research in the areas of prevention and early detection; mechanisms of tumorigenesis
and therapeutic resistance; predictive and prognostic biomarkers; and novel targets and approaches to
therapy. To accomplish this goal, we will build on our successful program that, in this current funding cycle,
supported 15 awards that subsequently contributed to 42 publications, 9 external grants, 3 patents, 6
inventions and 2 clinical trials, with a return on investment of 27.2 (ie. for every dollar invested 27.2 were
returned). Biannually, we will widely solicit proposals from investigators new to HNSCC research as well as
from established HNSCC investigators with highly innovative ideas. Members of the Internal and External
Advisory Boards will be encouraged to identify investigators outside of the HCC HN SPORE who could serve
as potential collaborators. In addition, we have established a partnership with Emory University, Johns Hopkins
University, Howard University and Meharry – the latter two designated Historical Black Universities – in an
effort to expand the diversity of the applicant pool and be responsive to the most recent SPORE PAR-20-305,
with a specific additional DRP award annually for an URM project leader.
 The most meritorious proposals submitted will be selected based on an NIH-style two-tiered review to ensure
rigor and absence of bias and support will come from both SPORE funds and institutional commitment. DRP
awardees new to HNSCC will be assigned an experienced mentor to provide guidance and integration into the
SPORE. All DRP awardees will report annually on the progress of their projects and those that demonstrate
significant research progress will be eligible for competitive renewal for a second year. Should the need arise,
exceptional pilots with potential for significant translational impact can be elevated to full SPORE projects.
Indeed, two of the three full SPORE projects in this renewal came from DRP pilots.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10923909
- **Project number:** 5P50CA097190-18
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** MARCI LEE NILSEN
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $107,029
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2004-07-01 → 2027-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10923909

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10923909, Developmental Research Program (5P50CA097190-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10923909. Licensed CC0.

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