Building upon a tradition of excellence. The NCTN at IUSCCC

About This Grant

Abstract Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (IUSCCC) brings mulƟdisciplinary research teams with experƟse in translaƟonal sciences along with streamlined resources, efficient services, and an insƟtuƟonal environment that fosters innovaƟve clinical and translaƟonal research to the NaƟonal Clinical Trial Network (NCTN). IUSCCC invesƟgators have led trials that defined the standard of care in thymoma, testes, pancreas, and breast cancer. We are commiƩed to leading and supporƟng the next generaƟon of translaƟonal trials within the NCTN. As a Lead Academic ParƟcipaƟng Site we will pursue six specific aims: 1)Integrate genomics, pharmacogenomics, and other molecular assays with tradiƟonal histopathology and imaging to individualize therapy, 2)Lead clinical and translaƟonal research in key rare tumors, 3)Share immunology experƟse across the NCTN, 4)Ensure that all paƟents benefit from the NCTN, 5)Lend experƟse to NCTN operaƟonal efficiency iniƟaƟves, and 6)Mentor junior faculty members to lead the next generaƟon of translaƟonal clinical trials. To accomplish those specific aims, we employ a coordinated clinical trial infrastructure that is efficient and cost-effecƟve, meeƟng the needs of invesƟgators from iniƟal study concept through compleƟon and reporƟng. Overall leadership of the NCTN at IUSCCC is vested in Dr. Kathy Miller, a seasoned invesƟgator who has led three naƟonal trials coordinated by ECOG-ACRIN and recently completed two terms as Co-Chair of the NCI Breast Cancer Steering CommiƩee. Dr. Miller enjoys widespread insƟtuƟonal and mulƟdisciplinary support and is fully empowered to leverage resources to increase accrual and movement of IUSCCC translaƟonal science forward to the NCTN. She is joined in leadership by key invesƟgators in Gynecologic and RadiaƟon Oncology. In this applicaƟon IU will be joined by one affiliate, the Richard A Roudebush VA Medical Center. IUSCCC contributed ~50 paƟents over the most recent 5- year period (3/2019-9/2024) to NCTN; accrual has increased since the pandemic-decline with 79 paƟents enrolled in 2024. Accrual has been evenly split between trials sponsored by ECOG-ACRIN and NRG, together accounƟng for ~80% of our total. In addiƟon, IUSCCC invesƟgators have held key leadership roles within ECOG and the NRG and have made key scienƟfic contribuƟons employing biologic specimens banked as part of cooperaƟve group trials.