The goal of the Joe Moakley Leukemia SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) is to develop therapies that improve prognosis in leukemia. The Leukemia SPORE will serve as a vehicle for integration of innovative translational studies that bridge laboratory, epidemiologic and clinical research. For this purpose, we have included a group of dedicated leukemia researchers with outstanding track records in leukemia research who will collaborate to accomplish our goals. The ultimate goal is to cure all leukemias through this long-term integrated approach.

Importance of Research in Leukemia
Leukemias are a heterogeneous group of hematologic disorders encompassing acute myelogenous and lymphoid (AML, ALL) and chronic myelogenous and lymphoid (CML, CLL) leukemias, as well as closely related disorders such as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and lymphoproliferative disorders (hairy cell leukemia, mantle cell leukemia, others). A sizable number of people in the United States and worldwide are affected annually, who could be helped significantly from the research and progress to be made through the research proposed in this Leukemia SPORE.

What is SPORE?
SPORE stands for Specialized Program of Research Excellence. Funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) with a $12.75 million grant, the program is part of a nationwide initiative to speed the flow of promising knowledge from the laboratory to the clinic, where it will benefit patients the most. This SPORE will enhance M. D. Anderson's ongoing efforts to develop new, better treatments and therapies for leukemia, and to understand the biological basis of clinical observations. M. D. Anderson also has SPORE grants to study bladder, prostate, lung and ovarian cancer.

Leukemia Program
We have assembled talented clinical and fundamental research scientists who are dedicated to translational (bench-to-bedside) research in leukemia. This SPORE consists of:

• six major research projects, which focus on multidisciplinary studies targeting innovative translational studies
• a career development program, which will train physicians and scientists to create research projects that lead quickly to new therapies
• a developmental research program, designed to support promising pilot studies for leukemia
• three "core" entities (administrative, pathology and biostatistics), which will support the research projects

By promoting new collaborations and extending existing ones with established leukemia SPOREs across the country, the M. D. Anderson Leukemia SPORE aims to develop new and effective strategies to treat leukemia. Our common hope is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality, improve the quality of life for cancer patients and, ultimately, to conquer this disease.