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Translational Research in Clinical Oncology

Female and Male Scientists Working in The Laboratory

The Translational Research in Clinical Oncology (TRACO) course gives NIH postdoctoral and clinical fellows a broad overview of the science that connects the laboratory to the clinic. Held virtually on Monday afternoons each fall, the course spans the general principles of cancer biology and treatment, epidemiology, genomics, precision medicine, mechanisms of resistance, the use of preclinical models, and the identification of novel molecular targets. 

Across the series, participants have an opportunity to learn new information, gain insight into the future developments of translational research in clinical oncology, and meet leaders in cancer research. Although participation by NIH postdoctoral and clinical fellows is strongly encouraged, all fellows are welcome to participate. 

Logistics

APPROACHLENGTHPEOPLE

Delivery: Virtual lecture series (Webex) 

Each lecture: two 50-minute expert lectures with time for discussion 

Lectures are recorded and shared with registrants 

Duration: Fall series, mostly Mondays 

Twelve sessions (September 8 - November 23, 2026) 

Offered each Fall

Coordinator: Dr. Terry Moody 

Audience: NIH postdoctoral & clinical fellows 

Certificate (with exam & evaluation) 

Topics Covered

The topics covered in TRACO change based on advances in cancer care and discovery. Generally, participants will learn: 

  • Understand general principles of cancer biology and treatment.
  • Explain key concepts in genomics, epigenetics, and precision medicine.
  • Describe mechanisms of treatment resistance and strategies to overcome them.
  • Recognize the role of preclinical models and the identification of novel molecular targets.
  • Connect translational research concepts across diverse cancer types and treatment modalities.

Registration Details

Registration: Registration is required and limited to 150 participants.

Register Online: https://events.cancer.gov/cct/traco

Registration Deadline: September 4, 2026

Course Recordings: All lectures will be recorded and shared with registered participants.

Course Schedule

DATE TOPICSFACULTY
Tuesday, September 8

3:00 PM

        4:00 PM          

Introduction 

Immune Checkpoints                 

Terry Moody, Ph.D. 

Stephanie Goff, M.D., F.A.C.S, FSSO

Monday, September 14

3:00 PM

 4:00 PM  

Cervical Cancer

Genomics

John Schiller, Ph.D.

Jun Wei, Ph.D.

Monday, September 21

3:00 PM

4:00 PM 

Cancer Imaging 

Epigenetics

Peter Choyke, M.D., F.A.C.R.

Mukesh Verma, Ph.D.

Monday, September 28   

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Global Cancer

Cancer Disparities

Satish Gopal, M.D., M.P.H.

Stefan Ambs, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Monday, October 5

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Clinical Trials

K-RAS

Jamal Smith, M.D., MSc.

Dwight Nissley, Ph.D.

Tuesday, October 13

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Radiation Therapy

Liquid Biopsy

Elizabeth Nichols, M.D.

Miguel Ossandon, Ph.D.

Monday, October 19

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Lung Cancer

Microbiota

Terry Moody, Ph.D. 

Emily Vogtman, Ph.D., M.P.H.

Monday, October 26 

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Breast Cancer

Theranostics

Farah Zia, M.D.

Frank Lin, M.D.

Monday, November 2

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Topoisomerse

CAR T-Cells

Yves Pommier, M.D., Ph.D.

Sarah Silbert, Ph.D.

Monday, November 9

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Neuroendocrine Cancer

GLP-1 and Cancer

Samira Sadowski, M.D.

Elizabeth McDonald, M.D., Ph.D.

Monday, November 16

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

TBA

Case Reports

TBA

Oluwadamilola Olaku, M.D.; M.P.H.  

Monday, November 23

3:00 PM

4:00 PM

Prostate Cancer

Nanotechnology

Melissa Abel, M.D.

Marina Dobrovolskaia, Ph.D.

Learning Goals & Impact

TRACO provides fellows with a broad, current foundation in translational oncology, bridging laboratory science and clinical practice and connecting them with the researchers shaping the field. 

Participants will: 

  • Build a cross-cutting understanding of how discoveries move from bench to bedside. 

  • Gain exposure to a wide range of cancer types, technologies, and treatment strategies. 

  • Learn directly from NCI, NIH, and other scientific leaders across many subspecialties. 

  • Strengthen the translational perspective that informs their own research. 

Related Training Opportunities

NIH Clinical Center Grand Rounds: A weekly CME-eligible lecture series that offers its audience (within and outside the NIH community) a wide variety of topics to help them remain current on the latest advances in medicine and assist in their professional growth.  

NIH Director’s Wednesday Afternoon Lecture Series (WALS): A weekly seminar series designed to keep researchers abreast of the latest and most important research in the United States and beyond.  

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