PROJECT SUMMARY: CANCER MODELING SHARED RESOURCE The Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center (Sylvester) Cancer Modeling Shared Resource (CMSR) has developed into an essential translational research resource for Sylvester members. The aims of the CMSR are to 1) develop novel mouse models of human cancer; 2) validate cancer targets and test potential therapeutic approaches using those models; 3) characterize cancer models and evaluate treatment responses using noninvasive imaging; 4) provide histopathological analysis; and 5) offer training and consultation. In 2017, Daniel Bilbao, PhD, MBA, was recruited to Sylvester to develop the infrastructure needed to support preclinical and translational studies, using the mouse as a model organism. One and a half years later, the CMSR was established as a developing Shared Resource (SR). Driven by the success of the CMSR in achieving metrics comparable to other CCSG-supported Sylvester SRs (in terms of usage, scope of services, and publications and grants supported), the CMSR is now proposed as a full CCSG-supported SR. CMSR services facilitate the in vivo modeling of human cancers, including Sylvester priority cancers, such as hematological and gastrointestinal malignancies and hormone-related cancers, providing high-quality preclinical data for successful drug development or evaluation of novel treatment protocols. CMSR’s growth and success are driven by the Center-wide interest in translational research, significant Sylvester investment in imaging and other sophisticated instrumentation, and continued expansion in the services provided by the talented CMSR team. Over the current reporting period (6/1/2018-5/31/2023), to meet the needs of Sylvester members, the CMSR expanded its services by acquiring 21 instruments, including six new state-of-the-art imaging and histology platforms (e.g., 9.4T MRI, PET/CT, and automated IHC) and providing numerous new services. This led to a more than doubling in the number of members using the facility annually, from 28 members in FY19 to 63 in FY23 (Sylvester’s fiscal year (FY) runs 6/1-5/31). To support this growth in services, CMSR staff increased from three to 13 personnel, and the facility’s space expanded 2.8-fold, to 3,662 sq ft. Over the reporting period, the CMSR provided services to 83 Sylvester members from all four Research Programs, who comprised 87% of total usage by revenue, reflecting CMSR services’ critical importance to members. CMSR supported 37 cancer-related publications, including 19 in high-impact journals (JIF≥10), and 35 cancer-related grants awarded to members, including 11 from the NCI. Future plans include expanding mouse modeling with gene editing services; enhancing histopathology services related to digital pathology; expanding noninvasive imaging protocols for tumor detection and therapeutic responses; and expanding coordinated multi-SR support for translational research.