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UCLA SPORE in Prostate Cancer

The purpose of the UCLA SPORE in Prostate Cancer is to contribute significantly to progress in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer. These goals will be accomplished through multiple and diverse research projects, both in basic science and population-based research, which can be rapidly translated into clinical applications. The organization of the SPORE reflects two major themes to accomplish its goals. Theme I is intended to apply research on gene expression and signaling pathways performed in our investigators' laboratories for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of prostate cancer. Treatment will be directed at the specific molecular pheno types of the individual's tumors. Theme II investigates the relationship of dietary substances to prostate cancer growth. This study capitalizes on an observation by our investigators of a new bioassay for dietary effects on prostate cancer developed in a laboratory and then applied in future clinical trials. The over arching goal of the SPORE is to rapidly translate laboratory discoveries to clinical applications.

A major objective of the SPORE is to develop new avenues of prostate cancer research through support of developmental research programs and to identify and cultivate young investigators seeking a career in prostate cancer research. Two major mechanisms will meet these objectives: The Career Development Program and The Developmental Research Program. Through these mechanisms, the field of prostate cancer research will be expanded and new avenues of translational research will be developed.

The goals of the SPORE will be supported by its major Cores: Administrative, Pathology, Biostatistics and Informatics, Mouse Models and Imaging. Each of these contributes uniquely to the planned research programs and the development of new research areas, and facilitates the rapid translation of basic research to clinical application.