The SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence) in Prostate Cancer at the Cancer Center is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute of the National Institute of Health. This program brings together basic scientists, epidemiologists, urologists, oncologists, pathologists and statisticians working to develop new approaches in the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of human prostate cancer.

The specific themes of the SPORE include:

1. Identification of the cellular and molecular alterations in prostate cancer.
2. Prevention and risk factors in prostate cancer development.
3. Prostate cancer innovative therapeutics and rehabilitation.
4. Quality of life and outcomes research in prostate cancer.

The SPORE Program consists of:

• Core facilities, which support the research.
• Research projects.
• The Developmental Research Program, which funds pilot projects.
• The Career Development Program, which recruits junior investigators.

Contact Information:
Chung Lee, Director, Prostate SPORE
Feinberg School of Medicine
Northwestern University
303 East Chicago Avenue, Tarry 16-703
Chicago, IL 60611-3008
(312) 908-2004
Fax: (312) 908-7275

The SPORE in Prostate Cancer is currently supported by bridge funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). A revised renewal application was submitted to the NCI on January 23, 2007. Although the overall SPORE infrastructure remains the same, the revised SPORE includes two new co-leaders (William Catalona, M.D. and Walter Stadler, M.D.), and two research projects elevated from pilot projects and a proposed Clinical Trials and Advocacy Core. The University of Chicago has been fully integrated into the revised SPORE Program. Members of the SPORE continue to meet monthly to maintain scientific dialogue and interactions.