Carlton Allen

The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) was established to combat cancer through significant investment. Its mission focuses on enhancing research capabilities, expanding life science infrastructure, and accelerating innovation in prevention and cures across Texas. CPRIT achieves this through three core programs: Academic Research, Prevention services for medically under-resourced communities, and Product Development to accelerate new drug and device development. The institute is committed to ethical, accountable, efficient, and transparent operations, funding projects through rigorous, merit-based peer review to generate discoveries, create jobs, and reduce cancer mortality statewide.

The Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) is a $6 billion initiative focused on combating cancer through a three-fold mission: investing in university research, expanding life science infrastructure by attracting companies and creating jobs, and expediting innovation in prevention and cures. The organization has achieved significant measurable results, including recruiting 348 researchers and 25 companies to Texas, attaining three NCI comprehensive cancer centers, and facilitating substantial follow-on funding. By 2025, CPRIT activities generated $1.38 billion in expenditures and created 8,144 permanent jobs, while delivering millions of prevention services across all 254 Texas counties and impacting thousands of patients in clinical trials.

The meeting began with roll call and acknowledgment of remote attendance. The committee approved the minutes from the November 19 oversight committee meeting. Key discussions centered on public comment, during which an applicant raised concerns regarding irregularities in a process and expressed commitment to clinical trials for cancer patients. The main presentation focused on the ACCESS core facility, detailing its infrastructure, specimen collection process, and its role in accelerating pediatric cancer research. The presentation highlighted that the facility supports research by collecting biospecimens and clinical data longitudinally. It was noted that the CPRIT investment has leveraged significant additional grant funding, totaling over $69 million across 28 grants. Two major ongoing federally funded studies, SALUDE and a NCI-funded SPORE grant focused on reducing disparities in acute leukemia, were showcased as leveraging the ACCESS infrastructure. The speakers also emphasized the unique nature of ACCESS in supporting diverse and medically underserved populations, leading to 17 research publications to date. The presenters concluded by expressing concern over the anticipated end of funding in August and welcomed discussions on sustaining the infrastructure.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included a presentation from a CPRIT-funded grantee, Dr. Thanh Hoang, regarding her work on pediatric cancer epidemiology and susceptibility. The CEO presented a report covering FY 2026 grant funds, the 2025 Annual Report, and personnel matters. Reports were given by the Chief Compliance Officer on grantee reporting, financial reviews, and compliance certifications; the Chief Scientific Officer on Academic Research Program updates and recruitment award recommendations; and the Chief Prevention Officer on the Prevention Program. The Chief Product Development Officer presented on the Product Development Research Program and recommended four FY 2027 Requests for Applications (RFAs). The committee addressed appointments to the Scientific Research and Prevention Programs Committees and finalized provisional appointments to the Advisory Committees, including receiving annual reports from related advisory committees. Proposed amendments to 25 TAC Chapter 703 regarding administrative rules were presented for consideration. Financial reports covered the operating budget and debt issuance history. Updates were provided on planning for the CPRIT Innovations VII Conference and general communications efforts. The committee also reviewed and approved the FY 2027 Program Priorities and received a report from the Geographic Diversity Advisory Committee concerning funding outreach to underserved areas.

The meeting commenced with roll call and approval of an excused absence for Dr. Rice. The committee approved the minutes from the August 20th oversight committee meeting. The Chief Executive Officer report highlighted significant milestones, including reaching over $4 billion in awards since 2010 and passing the $1 billion mark in recruitment grants. This report also noted upcoming events such as the Innovations Conference and an efficiency audit scheduled for 2026, alongside the transition to a new grant management platform. The Chief Compliance Officer's report detailed compliance activities for Fiscal Year 2025, noting a decrease in delinquent reports and the implementation of a tiered approach for match expenditure reviews. Furthermore, the committee received the Prevention Program update, which included recommendations for 15 new awards totaling over $27 million, focusing on various prevention priorities across numerous counties, with a particular focus on adding coverage in South and East Texas.