Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso (TTUHSCEP) is a relatively new health sciences center located on the US-Mexico border. The community it serves is 83% Hispanic, is medically underserved and suffers significant socioeconomic challenges. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics in the US and cancers such as liver and AML are overrepresented among Hispanics, particularly along the border. Estimates suggest that the cancer burden in Hispanics will worsen over time. Further, Hispanic people are underrepresented in research and clinical trials to improve cancer outcomes. TTUHSCEP is uniquely placed to address this situation. We propose to develop a TREC center th...

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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso (TTUHSCEP) is a relatively new health sciences center located on the US-Mexico border. The community it serves is 83% Hispanic, is medically underserved and suffers significant socioeconomic challenges. Cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanics in the US and cancers such as liver and AML are overrepresented among Hispanics, particularly along the border. Estimates suggest that the cancer burden in Hispanics will worsen over time. Further, Hispanic people are underrepresented in research and clinical trials to improve cancer outcomes. TTUHSCEP is uniquely placed to address this situation. We propose to develop a TREC center that leverages TTUHSCEP investments and strengths in cancer research to reduce the community impact of cancer through improved knowledge of biological, cultural, and behavioral determinants of cancer by developing novel biomarkers and therapeutics. We will develop three research cores and a structured mentoring and professional development program collaborating with experts at six other institutions to create a critical mass of successful cancer researchers focused on biological, clinical and translational research to improve Hispanic cancer outcomes. We have selected three early-stage researchers studying leukemia, breast and liver cancer, who will be guided by experts and resources in the three integrated cores: biostatistics, data science and informatics, a new tumor biorepository and a new research service core. These components will be supported by collaborations with experts at six other medical schools including experts from five NCI designated cancer centers. The project lead will be supported in the development and implementation of the program by an internal advisory committee composed of four senior scientists, an external advisory committee composed of four senior scientists, three external mentors for scholar projects, and two external and internal core advisors.

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