“A MicroRNA Profile to Predict Recurrence After Surgical Resection of Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer”

2009 Research Grant Recipient ~ $60,000 over two years
Sai Yendamuri, M.D., Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Starting an independent laboratory was the next logical step after completion of a fellowship in thoracic surgery and starting my first job at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Our research is focused on the utilization of microRNA expression patterns as clinically relevant biomarkers.  As a first experiment we decided to attempt to identify a microRNA signature for the prediction of recurrence after resection of early lung cancer.

However, microarray experiments are expensive and difficult to accomplish without external funding.  At this critical juncture, the TSFRE award provided the funds required to complete our experiment.  Thanks to the award, our validation study is moving ahead.  While the funds given by the TSFRE are important, the award itself is a shot in the arm for young investigators beginning their career in academic research.  With the difficult funding environment that researchers face currently and the pressure to be clinically productive at the same time, such seed funding is crucial to obtain the data that enables us to apply for competitive NIH funding.