The UNC Breast Cancer SPORE's Developmental Research Program (DRP) promotes novel translational breast cancer research. The Program includes mechanisms for stimulating grant applications, evaluating and selecting projects, and monitoring progress. Drs. Lisa Carey, SPORE investigator and Medical Director of the UNC Breast Center, and Al Baldwin, SPORE investigator and UNC Lineberger Associate Director of Basic Science, oversee the DRP mechanisms for application, evaluation/selection, and monitoring. Application mechanisms include intra SPORE collaborations, Cancer Center-wide competitive-awards, and rapidly emerging opportunities. Evaluation and selection processes include independent peer review and consultation with SPORE senior leadership, external advisors, and advocates. The SPORE Director/Pi (Dr. Earp) and Co-Director/Co-Pi (Perou) make the final decisions regarding selection and budget. This DRP has been successful and effective. Since its inception in 1992, the UNC Breast Cancer SPORE has funded 42 projects. DRP projects have led to full-fledged SPORE projects and independently funded projects as well as publications. This report focuses primarily on outcomes from the most recent five years (Projects 30 - 42). During Years 15-19, UNC will commit $200,000 annually to developmental clinical, translational breast cancer research projects. We request $100,000 in SPORE funds to combine with $100,000 in institutional commitment to fund approximately three to five projects per year at $25,000 to $75,000/year. Funds for institutional commitment come primarily from the Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Research fundraising efforts. In Year 15 the program has identified two major projects for funding and will use established SPORE mechanisms, including the semi-annual competitive process, to make additional awards.
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