DOD Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Concept Award

The PRCRP Concept Award supports the exploration of a highly innovative new concept or untested theory. The Concept Award is not intended to support a logical progression of an already established research project but, instead, supports high-risk studies that have the potential to reveal entirely new avenues for investigation. Research completed through a Concept Award may provide sufficient preliminary data to enable the Principal Investigator (PI) to prepare a proposal for future research. Presentation of preliminary data is not allowed. However, a rationale for the work must be provided. For FY09, the Concept Award is being offered in two congressionally directed topic areas: (1) Noninvasive cancer ablation research including selective targeting with nano-particles, and (2) genetic cancer research and its relation to exposure to the various environments that are unique to a military lifestyle. No other topic areas will be allowed. Proposals must not address breast, prostate, or ovarian cancer research. Focus Areas for each of the two topic areas are provided in this Program Announcement/Funding Opportunity. Applications to the FY09 PRCRP Concept Award will be rated on their responsiveness to the following Focus Areas for each of the two topic areas. Focus Areas for Genetic Cancer Research:  Identification and characterization of changes in gene structure and/or gene expression resulting from physical, biological, or chemical exposures and stressful environments that, alone or in concert, are known or suspected to increase cancer risk. Although not all inclusive, hazards encountered by the military population include: o Radiation (UV and other radiation sources) o Biological Agents o Chemicals o Physical and Psychological Stress o Other Environmental Conditions (e.g., noise, heat, altitude)  Investigation of biological pathways involved in carcinogenic mechanisms which are affected by military exposures  Investigation of the trans-generational cancer risk of military exposures  Evaluation of differences in genetic susceptibility to cancer among ethnic groups affected by military exposures Focus Areas for Noninvasive Cancer Ablation:  Development of approaches for deep organ access for ablation technologies  Validation of nanoparticle targeting For applications in the topic area of Genetic Cancer Research, it is the responsibility of the applicant to clearly and explicitly articulate the project’s military relevance. See the Program Announcement for the full Funding Opportunity Description.