Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs)
Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPOREs) translate novel scientific discoveries into clinical testing, including early-phase clinical trials, for the treatment of cancer.
The objective for all SPOREs is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality and to improve survival and quality of life for cancer patients. SPOREs encourage the advice of patient advocates in SPORE activities.
Current priorities include translational research in:
- Pediatric cancers, including sarcomas (osteo and soft tissue), Brain, Heme Malignancies, Wilms Tumor, etc.
- Molecular subtypes of common cancers that are uncommon and that have poor outcomes
o Examples: Mantle cell lymphoma, Uterine serous cancer, Rare subtypes of TNBC, etc. - Neuroendocrine cancers of any organ site or that arise through trans-differentiation/lineage plasticity
- Gastric cancers
- Bladder cancers
- HIV-related cancers
- Cancer research with a unique focus on underserved populations (NIH-designated populations experiencing health disparities)
Find a SPORE
Upcoming SPORE Investigator Meetings
2025 - 2026 Meetings
GI SPORE Investigators’ Meeting
Jan. 9-10, 2025
Chapel Hill, NC
Staff contact: Steven F. Nothwehr, Ph.D.
PDAC Stromal Reprograming Consortium Meeting
March 24-25, 2025
Chapel Hill, NC
Staff contact: Peter Ujhazy, M.D., Ph.D.
Small Cell Lung Cancer Consortium Meeting
April 2-4, 2025
New York, NY
Staff contact: Peter Ujhazy, M.D., Ph.D.
Skin and Melanoma SPORE Investigators Meeting
June 19-20, 2025
New Haven, CT
Staff contact: Igor Kuzmin, Ph.D.
Breast Cancer SPORE Investigators Meeting
June 26-27, 2025
Shady Grove, NCI
Staff contact: Naveena Janakiram, Ph.D.
Gynecological Cancers SPORE Investigator Meeting
Oklahoma City, OK
2025 (dates TBD)
Staff contact: Naveena Janakiram, Ph.D.
Lung Cancer SPORE Meeting
Rockville, Maryland
2026 (dates TBD)
Staff contact: Peter Ujhazy, M.D., Ph.D.
Upcoming Events
NCI SCLC Consortium Meeting
Shady Grove, NCI
May 6-7, 2026
Staff contact: Peter Ujhazy, M.D., Ph.D.