The primary goal of the Cancer Biology Training Grant is to provide trainees with the fundamental skills necessary for outstanding careers in biomedical cancer research together with an appreciation of the challenges and complexity of cancer in the clinical setting. The training program emphasizes rigorous basic cancer research, enriched by educational forums that address the importance of clinical and translational cancer research. Both predoctoral and postdoctoral trainees are supported by the Cancer Biology Training Grant, with trainees conducting their research under the guidance of approved program faculty.
Components
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Research Experience. Knowledge of a cancer cell’s behavior at the molecular and cellular level continues to expand, and a greater understanding of the pathways and molecular changes that occur in cancer cells is leading to advances in patient care. Research in the laboratories of faculty at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic focuses on fundamental cancer biology, often with immediate relevance to cancer diagnosis and treatment.
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Clinical Perspective. Beyond performing research, trainees receive Clinical Perspective training, which serves to prepare trainees to communicate and interact with clinicians to bridge the bench-to-bedside divide. Activities include coursework from the CWRU Clinical Research Scholars Program (CRSP), human subjects research training, exposure to clinical trial design with Hematology and Oncology clinical fellows, attendance at tumor boards, and shadowing of physician-scientists.
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Career development and professional enrichment. Career development in the field of cancer research involves defining career goals and building professional skills, in addition to research skills, in order to attain those goals. Trainees are provided individualized career development and professional enrichment activities to ensure that they are developing the proper skills necessary to achieve their career goals.