PROJECT SUMMARY Links between cancer and metabolic dysfunction were first discovered almost a century ago. Evidence acquired since indicates significant challenges remain in fully delineating those links and exploiting metabolism in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. City of Hope, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center (COHCCC), has an international reputation for basic and clinical research in both cancer and metabolism. It is complemented by the unique strengths of the Beckman Research Institute (COHBRI) and the Arthur Riggs Diabetes & Metabolism Research Institute. Together, this strong research infrastructure supports the postdoctoral Cancer Metabolism Training Program (CMTP). The CMTP began in 2018; our goal is to train the next generation of scientists to become experts in the use of cutting-edge science to interrogate cancer metabolism and to contribute to improvements in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of cancer. Following a rigorous application process with a personal interview, three T32-supported postdoctoral Trainees are selected for two years of funding. To further recruitment, COHBRI funds up to three additional positions for each T32-supported Trainee from an underrepresented group (URG) in the sciences (up to 6 total positions), supplements salaries for T32- supported Trainees, and provides a stipend for research supplies for all Trainees. Further institutional support comes from full administrative and faculty salary support. Shared Resource Facilities further stimulate the research environment for Trainees by enabling access to cutting-edge research platforms. All CMTP Trainees establish a Mentoring Committee with a least one physician to bring clinical problems into focus along with basic research. The CMTP has 26 faculty Mentors, all of whom are performing high-impact cancer research and have experience mentoring postdoctoral fellows. We have established a common curriculum that CMTP Trainees follow to increase their future employment opportunities, which includes coursework, as well as participation in local and international scientific symposia, journal clubs, seminars, informal meetings with Mentors, formal Mentoring Committee meetings, and an annual meeting with our External Advisory Board. During the last five years, we have supported 13 Trainees in the CMTP, including eight from URGs. To date, three CMTP Trainees have become academic scientists. Our training program is unique as we are one of only four out of 181 NCI- sponsored T32 training grants focused on cancer metabolism and is the only such program on the West Coast. CMTP Trainees completing the program have had success in finding strong initial permanent positions. Based on the critical need to delineate the links between metabolism and cancer, and building on our track-record of training, placement of our initial group of Trainees, strong institutional support, and diversity of the catchment area covered by the COHCCC, we are confident the CMTP will develop a diverse pool of highly trained, productive scientists.

PROJECT NARRATIVE Recent advances, largely technology-based, are improving the diagnosis and management of cancer. However, despite a need, individuals from underrepresented groups and cross-trained in cancer biology research and metabolic studies are rare. The CMTP T32 postdoctoral training program addresses this need by providing a unique learning experience focused on cutting edge training in translational cancer metabolism research with exceptional institutional support for stipends, research funds and research environment. In this, the pipeline of cancer metabolism-talent and breakthrough discoveries will be enriched, locally at COH and beyond to patients worldwide.