Contact the GI SPORE Team
- For research/medical questions, contact the principal investigator: Robert J. Coffey, Jr., M.D.
- For questions about our research advocacy program please email.
- For questions about SPORE grant pilot funding, contact Meghan O'Loughlin, Program Manager.
Meet the GI SPORE Advocates
Developmental Research
The Vanderbilt GI SPORE Developmental Research Program (DRP) encourages innovative translational research in GI neoplasia. The GI SPORE DRP uses an established and highly effective procedure to solicit applications twice yearly from investigators at Vanderbilt and Meharry Medical College. Pilot projects are evaluated by internal and external reviewers, including members of the GI SPORE External Advisory Board (EAB), using the NIH 9-point scoring system.
GI SPORE Research Projects
Our research is focused on reducing the incidence, morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer. Our GI SPORE is comprised of a team of highly interactive clinical investigators and basic scientists working together in a collegial environment with strong inter-SPORE, pharmaceutical, national and international collaborations.
Project 1
Molecular Imaging & Targeted Therapeutics of Stem Cell-Derived Colon Cancer
- Clinical PI: Robert J. Coffey Jr., M.D.
- Basic PI: H. Charles Manning, Ph.D.
Project 2
Targeting K-Ras in CRC
- Clinical PI: Jordan Berlin, M.D.
- Basic PI: Stephen Fesik, Ph.D.
Project 3
Molecular Markers for CRC Recurrence
- Clinical PI: R. Dan Beauchamp, M.D.
- Basic PI: Daniel C. Liebler, Ph.D.
Project 4
Genetic and Epigenetic Markers for Colorectal Adenoma Recurrence
- Clinical PI: Harvey J. Murff, M.D., MPH
- Basic PI: Wei Zheng, M.D., MPH, Ph.D.
Overview
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center SPORE in GI Cancer represents multiple laboratories working together closely and effectively with clinical investigators to make a profound impact on the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of colorectal cancer.
Vanderbilt’s GI SPORE has made discoveries and advances that hold great promise toward improvement of the management of individuals with colorectal cancer, including:
The SPORE in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center's SPORE in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer was established in 2002 and is one of only four GI SPORES in the nation. Our SPORE focuses on the prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer – the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, affecting more men and women than all other gastrointestinal malignancies combined.
Contact the Breast SPORE Team
- For research/medical questions, contact one of the principal investigators: Jennifer Pietenpol, PhD and Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD
- For questions about our research advocacy program please email.
- For questions about SPORE grant pilot funding, contact Jenn Beiner, Administrative Officer of Research Administration.
