The proposed Center for Transport OncoPhysics (CTO) is a collaborative program among five institutions. The Principal Investigator is Dr. Mauro Ferrari (UTHSC-H) and the Senior Co-Investigator is Dr. Steven Curley (MDACC). Thus, the first overall specific aim of the proposed CTO is to construct a ?reference system? for the understanding of cancer, where the multi-dimensional ?unit vectors? are the differential laws of transport physics across a fundamental set of biobarriers as they present themselves and evolve in tumorigenesis (i.e., ?transport oncophysics?). The second overarching Specific Aim is to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy of the novel systems and approaches developed within the CTO (multi-stage systems, nanoshuttles, carbon nanotubes, gold colloids, oral administration carriers) in the respective animal models. The proposed CTO will feature: 1. A single scientific framework (?transport oncophysics? as the differential, and biological barriers as the transport nodes);2. An integrated ?multiple multi-scale? approach (our mathematics, engineered probes, and imaging instrumentation are all multiscale, and are here employed to study the multiscale architecture of the biological barriers) reflected in shared cores and all project platforms being available to serve as cores for other projects;3. A ?dual-intent? operational approach, with the engineered transport probes used for basic discovery also being employed for the demonstration of innovative therapeutic modalities addressing unsolved clinical needs in two cancer focus cluster areas;4. An integrated choice of cancer focus and animal models. The first focus cluster is liver cancer, both primary and metastatic (Projects 1-2), the second is colorectal cancer (Projects 3), with cogent connections being the liver metastasis aspect of colorectal cancer, and the choice of unified animal models that sincerely recapitulate human diseases, under the guidance of Dr. Fidler. Further investigations that address complementary and synergistic aspects of transport onco-physics will be launched throughout the operations of the CTO by means of the Pilot Projects mechanism.

Public Health Relevance

The proposed Center for Transport Oncophysics (CTO) desires to understand the physics of mass transport within a cancer lesion and mass exchanges between cancer and surrounding host biology. Once such mechanisms are understood, the CTO hopes to develop and improve cancer diagnosis and treatment. With improved cancer diagnosis and treatment, the burden of cancer will be lessened and the eradication of cancer possible.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Specialized Center--Cooperative Agreements (U54)
Project #
5U54CA143837-07
Application #
8737802
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRLB-9 (O1))
Program Officer
Eljanne, Mariam
Project Start
2009-09-28
Project End
2015-07-31
Budget Start
2014-08-01
Budget End
2015-07-31
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
$900,001
Indirect Cost
$305,665
Name
Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Department
Type
DUNS #
185641052
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
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