# Viruses and Cancer

> **NIH NIH T32** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR · 2020 · $239,166

## Abstract

Project Summary
Viruses are among the most worrisome carcinogens because of their abilities to be transmitted and mutate.
The complex mechanisms associated with viral oncogenesis require a deep understanding of the fields of
virology, molecular and cellular biology, genetics, immunology, and oncology. The oncoviruses presently
include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, certain types of human papillomaviruses, certain herpesviruses, and
most retroviruses. The research programs of trainers in this Training Program focus on four of the five groups
of oncoviruses. This application is a competitive renewal for years 21-25 of a long-standing Training Program
to support graduate students and postdoctoral scholars as they acquire the knowledge and skills to investigate
viruses and cancer. The trainers associated with the proposed program have their primary academic
appointments in the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Pathology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pediatrics, and the Divisions of Hematology/Oncology in the Penn
State Cancer Institute and Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine. Each of the trainers directs a
well-funded and productive research program in areas of virology, immunology, and/or cancer biology. Trainers
and trainees are associated with the Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology, Pathology, Hematology/Oncology, Pediatrics, Infectious Diseases, and the Penn State
Cancer Institute, providing the predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees opportunities associated with multiple
interdisciplinary programs that cross boundaries. A strength of the program is the numerous opportunities for
interactions among the trainers, which contributes to the development of a highly supportive and interactive
environment in which the trainees can reach their full potential as young scientists. The breadth of the scientific
interests of members of the training faculty provides a blend of research areas within virology and immunology
that facilitates an outstanding training environment. The Training Program is further enhanced by numerous
seminars, journal clubs, symposia, and a new clinical oncology preceptorship program that enhance the
training environment. In addition, the close association among many of the trainers with the Penn State Cancer
Institute has enhanced the translational opportunities for young scientists with an interest in cancer. The
research accomplishments of the faculty, their strong commitment for training, the availability of excellent core
support facilities, and opportunities for extensive interactions all provide a dynamic training environment for the
graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in the Viruses and Cancer Training Program.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9987312
- **Project number:** 5T32CA060395-24
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIV HERSHEY MED CTR
- **Principal Investigator:** Craig M Meyers
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $239,166
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1994-05-06 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9987312

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9987312, Viruses and Cancer (5T32CA060395-24). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9987312. Licensed CC0.

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