# Preparing cancer researchers with a 21st century skill set

> **NIH NIH R25** · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $161,974

## Abstract

SUMMARY
With the development of cutting-edge technology and algorithms, such as next generation sequencing coupled
with bioinformatics that allow analyses of vast amounts of data from thousands of patients, our understanding
of the cancer disease process, including molecular pathogenesis, is becoming more comprehensive and
detailed. The advent of new lines of highly effective therapies, such as immunotherapy and specific small
molecule inhibitors, coupled with innovative techniques of imaging facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring, is
now translating to significant positive impact on patient survival and prognosis. The next generation of cancer
researchers now need not only to understand basic cancer biology but also must grasp the translational
applications of laboratory-based findings, and the appropriate use of bioinformatics analyses. The overall goal
of translational training in cancer should be to broadly educate trainees to work in diverse teams integrating
basic research, patient-oriented research, and population-based research, with the long-term aim of advancing
public health. In addition, the researchers also need to be involved in engaging with the community to educate
and better understand the impact of their research work and obtain experience mentoring the next generation
of scientists. Although it is not possible for every cancer researcher to be an expert in basic cancer biology,
translational approaches, bioinformatics, and community engagement, it is important for trainees to be
exposed to all of these important aspects of cancer research, to allow them to communicate with colleagues in
these various disciplines. Students value experiences that engage them in clinical and community settings,
providing the tools and experience to conceive and develop a clinical trial with laboratory-based correlates. The
VCU Cancer and Molecular Medicine (CAMM) PhD concentration has been tailored to provide PhD and MD-
PhD students with training in basic cancer and molecular biology, with a strong emphasis on the translational
applications of the training. The present R25 application is aimed at extending and strengthening this
curriculum with de novo components, namely translational clinical and community engagement and
reproducible cancer bioinformatics, to provide well-rounded training. This unique combination will equip
graduate students with a comprehensive breadth of knowledge and experience, thereby facilitating
establishment of a successful career as a cancer researcher who is able to conduct translational science. This
comprehensive curriculum can be disseminated to and adopted by graduate programs focused on translational
cancer research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9854331
- **Project number:** 1R25CA236630-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JOYCE A. LLOYD
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $161,974
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-06-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9854331

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9854331, Preparing cancer researchers with a 21st century skill set (1R25CA236630-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-21 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9854331. Licensed CC0.

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