Cancer Biology and Microenvironment

Decoding tumor-host interactions to stop cancer spread

The Cancer Biology & Microenvironment (CBM) research program facilitates discoveries that lead to clinical trials in collaboration with other IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center teams. The CBM research program brings together researchers studying how cancer cells interact with their surrounding environment, immune system, and host tissues to drive cancer progression and metastasis. Our work translates fundamental discoveries into new therapeutic approaches for diverse cancer types.

Healer, mentor, researcher, leader: D. Wade Clapp, MD

In November 2021, the National Cancer Institute awarded D. Wade Clapp, MD, an $11.4 million grant to continue his work developing new treatments for tumors that develop in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most common inherited syndrome causing a predisposition to cancer.

Dr. Clapp’s research is a prestigious Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) named for its target: DHART Developmental and Hyperactive Ras Tumor.

In addition to his NF1 investigations, Dr. Clapp is also a beloved pediatrician at Riley Children’s Hospital and influential mentor at IU School of Medicine.

More about DHART SPORE:

• DHARTSPORE.org
• NCI: Developmental and Hyperactive Ras Tumor (DHART) SPORE
• IU cancer researcher leads national work focused on developing treatments for inherited childhood cancers
• IU scientists to lead $12 million national initiative for new treatments for inherited cancers 

More about Dr. Clapp:

• Healer, Mentor, Researcher, Leader
• Clapp elected to National Academy of Medicine
• Dr. D. Wade Clapp Receives the Children’s Tumor Foundation’s Friedrich von Recklinghausen Award
• IU Indianapolis Campus Citizen: Lab hopping with Dr. Wade Clapp