Lymphoma Outcomes SPORE

The Lymphoma Outcomes SPORE seeks to address critical gaps in lymphoma care by investigating the complex relationships among ancestry, tumor biology, access to care and patient outcomes. Supported by the National Cancer Institute (U54CA302435), the program brings together investigators from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to develop innovative approaches that improve diagnosis, treatment and survival for patients with lymphoma.

The program leverages expertise in clinical oncology, pathology, genomics, artificial intelligence, community engagement, biostatistics and population science to accelerate discoveries that can be rapidly translated into improved patient care. The SPORE also includes Career Enhancement and Developmental Research programs designed to support the next generation of lymphoma researchers.

Building on the strengths of a multidisciplinary research team, the program aims to:

• Understand biological factors associated with differences in lymphoma outcomes across patient populations
• Translate genomic discoveries into more precise treatment strategies for lymphoma
• Develop artificial intelligence-based tools to improve lymphoma diagnosis and classification
• Increase access to clinical trials and research-driven cancer care
• Strengthen partnerships with community oncology practices to improve outcomes for all patients with lymphoma

Through three highly integrated translational projects, investigators seek to advance precision medicine approaches and address longstanding disparities in lymphoma care.

Project 1: Precision Targeting of Therapeutic Vulnerabilities Specific to African Ancestry Lymphoma Patients

This project focuses on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most common form of lymphoma. Investigators are studying genetic and immune-related features that appear more frequently in patients of African ancestry and how these factors contribute to differences in treatment response and outcomes. The project seeks to identify new therapeutic vulnerabilities and develop treatment strategies that improve outcomes in high-risk populations.

Project 2: Translating Genomics to Practice to Improve Outcomes in DLBCL

This project aims to use genomic and molecular information to improve risk prediction and treatment selection for patients with DLBCL. Investigators will evaluate whether current prognostic tools perform consistently across populations, develop ancestry-informed disease models and expand clinical trial participation through partnerships with community oncology practices.

Project 3: AI Digital Pathology Tools to Address Disparities in Lymphoma Diagnosis and Classification for Underserved Communities

Accurate diagnosis remains a significant challenge for many patients with lymphoma, particularly in community clinic settings. This project will develop and validate artificial intelligence tools that help classify lymphoma subtypes, improve diagnostic accuracy and uncover tumor microenvironment features associated with patient outcomes. Investigators will leverage data from one of the nation's largest lymphoma research cohorts to create tools designed for real-world clinical implementation.

The Lymphoma Outcomes SPORE is supported by four integrated cores:

• Administrative Core provides scientific leadership, strategic direction and program oversight.
• Biospecimens and Pathology Core supports tissue collection, pathology review, advanced molecular analyses and specimen-based research.
• Community Outreach and Engagement Core strengthens partnerships with patients, communities and oncology practices while supporting clinical trial participation and community-informed research.
• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Core provides expertise in data science, computational biology and advanced statistical analysis across all SPORE projects.

Guidance is also provided through external advisors, community partners and patient advocates who help shape the program's research priorities and ensure that discoveries address the needs of the populations most affected by lymphoma.

Through collaborative, team-based research spanning cancer biology, precision medicine, artificial intelligence and community engagement, the Lymphoma Outcomes SPORE aims to transform the understanding and treatment of lymphoma while advancing health equity and improving outcomes for patients nationwide.

Christopher Flowers, MD, MS, FASCO
Division Head, Cancer Medicine and Chair, Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Jean Koff, MD, MSc
Associate Professor, Hematology and Medical Oncology
Director, Lymphoma Program Translational Research Team
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University

Grant support should be acknowledged for all projects, cores, and pilot projects. Each publication, press release, or other document about research supported by a National Institutes of Health award must include an acknowledgment of award support and a disclaimer such as:

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U54CA302435. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.