Researchers at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa have received the nation's first and only Neuroendocrine SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) grant, a five-year, $10.67 million award.

Neuroendocrine tumors are slow-growing cancers that occur primarily in adults but could also occur in children. They develop where the nervous and endocrine systems interact and are most commonly found in the small intestine, lungs, and pancreas. University of Iowa is one of very few referral centers in the nation where patients (adults and children) with these diagnoses are eligible to obtain innovative tumor-targeted treatment.

Sue O’Dorisio, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics in the division of pediatric hematology/oncology of the Stead Family Department of Pediatrics and the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital is the Principal Investigator on the SPORE. Researchers with projects in the SPORE will try to understand the molecular biology of these tumors so that it is possible to diagnose the cancers earlier and create new, more targeted treatments. You can learn more about the SPORE projects and those involved at https://uihc.org/neuroendocrine-spore-overview

SPORE grants are funded through the National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health. Support is also being provided by The Holden Family endowment and the University of Iowa Dance Marathon Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Laboratories through the University of Iowa Foundation.