NLMSF Research Projects Funded
An overview of the programs and partnerships the National Leiomyosarcoma Foundation funds to accelerate LMS-specific research and support the next generation of investigators.
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) SPORE
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center — Drs. Scott Schuetze & Jonathan Fletcher
$12.3M
NIH/NCI collaborative SPORE grant (2022)
Since 2022
NLMSF five-year co-funding commitment
The Leiomyosarcoma SPORE (Specialized Programs of Research Excellence) is a multi-institutional, international research program led by the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in 2022, this landmark grant brings together leading sarcoma centers across the U.S., Canada, and Australia to advance understanding of LMS genetics, biology, and therapeutic approaches.
The NLMSF began co-funding this project in 2022, alongside partners including Rein in Sarcoma and the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Our five-year commitment supports a program that includes three research projects, three cores (biospecimen, data analysis, and administration), and career enhancement and developmental research programs for early-career investigators.
Research priorities include identifying genomic vulnerabilities in LMS, studying genetic epidemiology and cancer predisposition syndromes such as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, and developing biomarkers to assess treatment response. Dr. Mitch Achee, LMS survivor and physician, serves on the SPORE External Advisory Board, bringing the patient perspective to this initiative.
Catalyst Program
Drs. Jonathan Fletcher & Keila Torres — SARC
$10,000
Young Researcher Travel Award
$25,000
Special LMS Project with Dr. Moding
Keila E. Torres, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS is the founder and leader of the SARC Catalyst Program, co-led with SARC’s Chief Scientific Officer Jonathan Fletcher, MD. The NLMSF provides $10,000 to support a young researcher to attend and present at the meeting, facilitating discussion of small-scale research projects with leading investigators.
An additional $25,000 has been committed this year for a special LMS Project led by Dr. Moding, expanding the program’s focus on leiomyosarcoma-specific research initiatives.
NLMSF Early Career Awards
Peer Faculty Recognition Awards
$1,400
Per award recipient
The NLMSF Early Career Awards — also recognized as Peer Faculty Recognition Awards — are presented annually to emerging researchers in the leiomyosarcoma field. Each award recipient receives $1,400 to attend the LMS International Research Roundtable and present their contributions to a selected Workgroup within the Roundtable.
This program ensures that the next generation of LMS researchers has a seat at the table alongside the world’s leading sarcoma investigators, fostering collaboration and accelerating discovery.
Count Me In — LMS Project
Dr. Suzanne George — Broad Institute / CMI
$146,000
Total project data evaluation cost
$73,000
NLMSF share (in installments)
The Count Me In (CMI) LMS Project is a patient-partnered research initiative that has now concluded its data-collection phase. A request has come from Dr. Suzanne George for co-funding assistance to evaluate and analyze the rich dataset generated by this project.
The total cost for this evaluation phase is $146,000. The NLMSF has committed to covering half of that amount — approximately $73,000 — payable in installment payments, ensuring this landmark LMS dataset can be fully analyzed and turned into actionable research findings for patients.
SASS Program
Strategic Advances in Sarcoma Science
$10,000
Young investigator award (annual)
The SASS (Strategic Advances in Sarcoma Science) Program is designed to encourage young investigators to pursue LMS-specific research projects. The NLMSF contributes $10,000 annually to support one young researcher through this competitive program.
SASS 2024 was held September 16–18, 2024, organized by: Jonathan Fletcher (DF/HCC), Sam Singer (MSKCC), and Brigitte Widemann (NCI).
Interested in applying for NLMSF research funding or learning more about our grant programs?