Developmental Research Program
Clinical Science Leader
Bryan Haugen, MD
Endocrinology/Metabolism/Diabetes
Bryan.Haugen@cuanschutz.edu
View Profile
Basic Science Leader
Mary Reyland, PhD
School of Dental Medicine/Hypertension
Mary.Reyland@cuanschutz.edu
View Profile
The premise of the Developmental Research Program within the Colorado HNC SPORE application is that innovative, high-risk research from existing head and neck cancer researchers, and an influx of research from investigators with expertise outside of, but that can be applied to head and neck cancer, will catalyze significant advances in the understanding and treatment of HNC.
2024 DRP awardees:
Drs. Rebecca Schweppe, Bryan Haugen, and Jennifer Richer
Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, and Department of Pathology, UC AMC
“Investigation of sex differences in thyroid cancer progression and targeting androgen receptors in BRAF inhibitor resistant disease”
Dr. Andrew Birkeland
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, UC Davis
“Investigating sociodemographic variables and liquid biomarkers associated with outcomes in underserved California communities”
Dr. Xinbin Chen
Surgical and Radiological Sciences, UC Davis
“Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Copper Ionophores for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas via Targeting DNp63”
Dr. Carlito Lebrilla
Department of Chemistry and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, UC Davis
“Glycan Alterations of the Cell Membrane in Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastasis”
We would like to thank all the applicants for their hard work. A new RFA will be sent out in early 2025.
RFA: Funding for HNC SPORE Developmental Research Projects
The Colorado Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) SPORE will fund 2-3 applications for Developmental Research Projects in Head and Neck Cancer Research. One application from UCDavis will be selected for funding through the UCDCCC matching fund.
To be considered for Developmental Research Project (DRP) funding:
- DRP projects should be relevant to HNC research and contribute to the prevention, diagnosis, or therapeutics of HNC, defined as head and neck squamous cell cancer (of mucosal origin), thyroid cancer and salivary gland cancer.
- DRP projects have the potential to become a new or replacement Colorado HNC SPORE project, or to develop into independent R01 level or equivalent (Department of Defense, American Cancer Society, Veteran Affair Merit Award) applications, or
- DRP projects represent a major technology breakthrough or create novel models/tools, interventions for prevention, early detection and/or therapeutics, populational science/disparity research, which have the potential to develop into R level
(R01) or equivalent (as defined above) applications. Examples of research topics include but not limited to microbial-based theranotics, impact of cancer metabolism in immunotherapy, preventive and treatment cancer vaccine, DNA damage-targeted
therapy in combination with immunotherapy, etc. Projects with translational endpoint, i.e., relevant to human patients, are strongly encouraged.
- At least one DRP application will be prioritized for funding that focuses on diversity, equity and inclusion in HNC research including, but is not limited to strategies to enhance access to HNC care and clinical trials, disparities research,
or a focus on representative laboratory models and basic research applicable to this area of clinical needs.
- Projects must be feasible within the study period and are expected to generate enough preliminary data to support an R01 level application. Applicants must identify an existing NIH mechanism to which the PI intends to apply.
Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. Multi-PIs with translational team of basic science and clinical science are desirable.
The application will be a maximum of six pages excluding cover page, biosketches, budget, bibliography, and letters of support. It should be formatted following NIH specifications (11 pt. Arial font, 0.5 margins etc).
Applications will consist of:
- completed cover sheet;
- Translational Research Statement;
- Specific Aims;
- Research plan including Background, Significance, and Innovation, Preliminary Studies, Scientific Rigor, Experimental Design and Methods;
- Bibliography;
- Description of inter-/intra-institutional collaborations (highlighting new collaborations and new researchers to this field);
- Description of how the project will lead to future R01 funding and how it fits within or extends the work of the SPORE;
- Budget justification for up to $50,000 direct costs including personnel, supplies, equipment and other expenses (no project leader salary);
- Biographical sketch and other supporting documentation for the principal investigator(s) in NIH format.
The deadline is July 15, 2025 by 5 pm.
Questions, please contact Pamela.Garl@cuanschutz.edu.
4/8/2025
What are the best ways to reduce your chances of getting head and neck cancer, such as oral, tongue, and sinus cancer? Stop using (or don’t start using) tobacco products, and make sure you are vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV).
2/20/2024
After eight years of work by a pair of University of Colorado Cancer Center leaders on a new way to attack various cancers, the next stage in their quest to bring their therapy to patients is one of nine research endeavors receiving funding from the Anschutz Acceleration Initiative (AAI).
9/28/2023
A study is underway at Flint Animal Cancer Center in Fort Collins that has implications for human head and neck cancer. Funded by an administrative supplement for the Dog Oncology Grant Supplement (DOGS) Program issued by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) from the University of Colorado Cancer Center Head and Neck Cancer Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE), researchers speculate this study’s findings may improve outcomes for dogs and humans.
4/14/2023
When the PACT Act went into effect January 1, after being signed into law in August, many U.S. veterans were able to access benefits for an expanded list of health conditions presumed to be caused by exposure to toxic substances.
3/21/2023
Squamous cell head and neck cancers — cancers that develop in the outer layers of tissue in the oral cavity, throat, larynx, and sinonasal cavity — are the sixth most prevalent cancer worldwide. The five-year survival rate for this type of cancer is 40% to 50%, with a worse prognosis for patients with advanced disease.
3/3/2023
Over the past decade, human papillomavirus (HPV) has increasingly been identified as a significant cause of certain head and neck cancers – for example, evidence suggests it causes 70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States.