Developmental Research Program (DRP)

Director: Kimberly Leslie, MD, University of New Mexico

Co-Directors: Dineo Khabele, MD and Kathleen Moore, MD, University of Oklahoma

Program Application Information

Proposals for the first cycle of the Route 66 Endometrial Cancer SPORE Developmental Research Program are being accepted until October 27, 2023, at 5:00 PM CST. Review the SPORE DRP Request for Proposals for more information.

SPORE DRP Overview

The overall goals of the Route 66 Endometrial Cancer SPORE Developmental Research Program (DRP) are to support innovative, early-stage research in endometrial cancer, to develop pilot projects to the point of inclusion as full SPORE projects, to increase the number of investigators committed to endometrial cancer, and to diversify the workforce.

The DRP provides one- to two-year pilot funding for projects in basic, translational, clinical, epidemiologic, and cancer prevention and control research. The DRP is open to all three participating institutions in the SPORE: Washington University in St. Louis, University of Oklahoma, and University of New Mexico.

As a result of the DRP, bold new ideas in endometrial cancer research are funded at the pilot stage and developed to lead to new treatment or prevention strategies. We fully anticipate that one or more DRP projects will be elevated to full SPORE projects in the next funding period. Additionally, new investigators will leverage DRP support to develop their projects, obtain preliminary data, and secure external funding and thus establish their careers in endometrial cancer research. Finally, established investigators who are new to the field will apply their knowledge and expertise to the field of endometrial cancer.