Photograph of a researcher conducting experiments in the lymphoma SPORE Leveraging combined research strengths

The University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE conducts innovative research on lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.

Overview

The University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE conducts innovative, interactive, translational research on lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma.

The Lymphoma SPORE leverages the combined strengths of the translational lymphoma programs of the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center — two National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers. At Mayo Clinic, the Lymphoma SPORE is part of the Hematologic Malignancies Program, a formal research program within Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Collaborative interaction among investigators from the two institutions helps drive the SPORE's research success, along with support from basic laboratory, clinical and population-based investigators.

SPORE research

Investigators in the Lymphoma SPORE have made numerous research advances to help find better treatments for lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. They've identified new tumor markers, made discoveries that led to additional translational lymphoma grants from the NCI, published numerous manuscripts and accrued many patients to clinical trials.

The Lymphoma SPORE patient database now includes more than 8,000 patients. The outcome data from these patients have led to the development of novel response biomarkers that have improved clinical care for patients with lymphoma and helped in the design of new clinical trials.

The Lymphoma SPORE has four active translational research projects:

Four cores support all aspects of the SPORE's research efforts, including administration, biospecimens from patients, statistical collaboration and clinical trials management.

SPORE funding

The University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE was first funded by the NCI in 2002. Funding was renewed with five-year grants in 2007, 2012 and 2017 through a competitive renewal process. A SPORE, or Specialized Program of Research Excellence, is a cornerstone of the NCI's efforts to promote collaborative, interdisciplinary translational cancer research.

Principal investigators

The principal investigators for the University of Iowa/Mayo Clinic Lymphoma SPORE are: