# Comparative Oncology Program

> **NIH NIH P30** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $49,243

## Abstract

PROGRAM SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Comparative Oncology Program within the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center has evolved and
expanded since 2007 from the original Cancer Biology in Animals Program established in 2001. The program
focuses on three specific aspects of comparative oncology. The first theme, Tumor Biology, is the study of
major oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, stem cells and inflammation in the context of cancer. The second
theme, Genetically Defined Mouse Models of Cancer, employs transgenic and knockout mouse models to
elucidate basic mechanisms of tumorigenesis and tumor progression. The third theme, Spontaneous Cancers
in Large Animals, uses non-rodent animals to study tumor development and investigate novel therapeutics in a
preclinical setting. This program brings a unique combination of skills and models to the preclinical setting. It
provides the critical links between the bench and the bedside.
The programmatic goals are:
 1. To elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes,
 stem cells, and inflammation are involved in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
 2. To translate fundamental knowledge of tumor biology to trials in companion animal patients and human
patients.
 3. To educate and train the next generation of investigators in oncology and veterinary oncology at UC
Davis.
PROGRAM ASPECTS
 Co-leaders: Xinbin Chen, DVM, PhD, Michael Kent, DVM, Thomas Semrad, MD, MAS
 Members: 35
 Total Grant Funding (ADC): $9.5 million
 Total Peer-Reviewed Funding (ADC): $8.7 million
 Total NCI funding (ADC): $2.6 million
 Total No. Publications: 723
 Inter-programmatic publications: 226 (31%)
 Intra-programmatic publications: 94 (13%)
 Multi-institutional publications: 342 (47%)
The program consists of 35 members from 14 different departments and 4 schools at UC Davis. These
members all have research activity in tumor biology and at least one of the other two scientific themes. All of
the members are funded, thirty of whom have funding through NCI, NIH, DOD, or other federal and private
funding agencies. In FY 2014-2015, the program has total peer reviewed funding (ADC) of $9.5 million,
including $2.6 million of NCI funding. The NCI funding ($2.6M) remains stable compared to that in 2011
($2.6M), suggesting that cancer-focused research remains strong in the program. The program faculty
published 723 articles: 31% inter-programmatic and 13% intra-programmatic, indicating that the Program 2
faculty are highly collaborative and conduct trans-disciplinary research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9993304
- **Project number:** 5P30CA093373-18
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Xinbin Chen
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $49,243
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9993304

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9993304, Comparative Oncology Program (5P30CA093373-18). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9993304. Licensed CC0.

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