Project Summary We propose continuation of a multidisciplinary research training program in neuro-oncology based at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer (MGH) Center but integrating programs from across the 7 institutions comprising the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Harvard School of Public Health, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The primary objective of this two-year program is to train physician-scientists capable of providing a critical bridge between the biological sciences and experimental therapeutics. In order to achieve this objective, the training program emphasizes a didactic curriculum in clinical research methodology, mentor-supervised clinical and basic science research experiences, and ongoing Scholar monitoring and feedback. All Scholars are assigned a clinical trial project during the course of the training program. All 40 clinical and laboratory mentors participating in this training program have extensive experience in neuro-oncology research and training, active research funding, and provide an excellent resource for Scholars interested in translational research. All Scholars have access to dedicated biostatistical and computing support on all projects. An Internal Advisory Committee, as well as an External Advisory Committee, oversee the training program. There is no significant overlap between our unique grant focused on nervous system tumors and other training grants at Harvard focused on medical oncology. Candidates include physicians completing clinical training in adult and pediatric neuro-oncology, adult and pediatric neurosurgical oncology, adult and pediatric medical oncology and radiation oncology. A qualified pool of applicants from these disciplines can be expected to grow from existing and developing sources. Each Scholar has a dedicated two-year block for research and training with minimal clinical responsibilities. Four postdoctoral positions are requested per year for five years with each Scholar making a two-year commitment to investigation. Applicants will be solicited through advertisements, and by active recruitment by the program and individual faculty. The training program remains committed to recruitment of a diverse Scholar pool. We believe that the proposed training program capitalizes on a group of outstanding mentors and superb training facilities and will have the capability to produce productive patient-oriented researchers in neuro-oncology. Since the original award 20 years ago, the quality of the program has steadily improved based upon such metrics as diversity in Scholar clinical specialties, Scholar publications, Scholar academic positions, Scholar leadership of national clinical trials, and Scholar grant awards.

Project Narrative This grant is designed to train neuro-oncologists – including adult and pediatric specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, radiation oncology, oncology, and radiology -- in the methods of research. The training program will expose the physician to coursework and hands-on experience in the laboratory. It is anticipated that after their training, graduates will continue to advance the field by developing clinical trials to test new treatments for patients with primary and metastatic tumors of the nervous system.