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Translational and Basic Science Research in Early Lesions (TBEL)

A illustration of a magnifying glass looking at blue, red, and green molecules next to the following text: "TBEL"

The overarching goal of the TBEL Program (supported by DCB and the NCI Division of Cancer Prevention through RFA-CA-21-054/ RFA-CA-21-055) is to understand the biological and pathophysiological mechanisms driving or restraining pre-cancers and early cancers, as well as to facilitate biology-backed precision prevention approaches.

Towards this goal, TBEL supports multi-disciplinary research centers that pursue studies integrating basic and translational research in an iterative manner to investigate the interactions of an early lesion, its microenvironment, and host-systemic factors as “co-organizers” of tumor initiation (or suppression) and malignant progression in conjunction with the clinical characteristics.

The TBEL Program spans a broad range of tumor sites (with associated clinical samples), biological models, and diverse targets to identify unique and/or common pathways of indolence or aggressiveness. Collectively, TBEL seeks to promote a deeper understanding of early lesions, their microenvironments, and reciprocal interactions that drive early lesion fate and clinical outcomes.

TBEL News

Research Advances from TBEL

TBEL investigators are advancing cancer interception science and developing tools to detect changes at the earliest and least life-threatening stages of cancer.

Consortium Meeting

The TBEL investigators are gearing up for a joint consortium meeting with the Human Tumor Atlas Network (HTAN), which will take place in late October at Vanderbilt University. The goal of the joint meeting is to share knowledge, define common objectives, and generate synergy that will advance the understanding of early lesions and their progression to cancers.

TBEL Digital Media

Learn more about the program at the TBEL Website.

DCB Contacts for TBEL

For additional information about TBEL, please contact Dr. Elizabeth Woodhouse or Dr. Rihab Yassin. 

Funded Projects

TBEL Research Projects (U54s)

InstitutionPrincipal Investigator(s)Center Title
Houston Methodist Research InstituteKeith Syson Chan, Dan TheodorescuThe stromal microenvironment as a co-organizer of bladder carcinogenesis and progression
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center William M. Grady, Neelendu Dey, Richard B.HalbergUnderstanding adenoma progression: Interplay among tissue microenvironment, clonal architecture, and gut microbiome
John Hopkins University  Angelo M. De Marzo, Srinivasan Yegnasubramanian Prostate inflammatory lesions as a proving ground for development of aggressive prostate cancer
MD Anderson Cancer Center  Anirban Maitra, Marina Pasca Di MaglianoTumor microenvironment crosstalk drives early lesions in pancreatic cancer  
Vanderbilt University Medical CenterMartha J. Shrubsole, Ken S. Lau

Shaping of the microenvironment in colonic pre-cancer by epithelia and microbiota 

TBEL Coordinating and Data Management Center (U24)

InstitutionPrincipal Investigator(s)Center Title
MD Anderson Cancer CenterYing Yuan, Liang LiCoordinating and Data Management Center for Translational and Basic Science Research in Early Lesions 
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