The FY24 LCRP Translational Research Award mechanism supports advanced translational research that will foster transformation of promising ideas in lung cancer into clinical applications. Translational research may be defined as an integration of basic science and clinical observations. Observations that drive a research idea may originate from a laboratory discovery, population-based studies, or a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patient care. The ultimate goal of translational research is to move a concept or observation forward into clinical application. However, Principal Investigators (PIs) should not view translational research as a one-way continuum from bench to bedside but can include a reciprocal flow of ideas and information between basic science and clinical science (bench to bedside and/or bedside to bench). Research applications only in the area of mesothelioma will not be accepted. This mechanism is intended to fund a broad range of translational studies with two different funding levels. The following are general examples, although not all-inclusive, of the type of research projects that would be appropriate to propose under the current program announcement:
Funding Level 1:
• Advanced preclinical studies aimed at translating results from animal studies to applications with human samples/cohorts (The Translational Research Award is not intended to support initial mechanistic studies of a new target.)
• Late-stage preclinical work leading to/preparing for a clinical trial, e.g., Investigational New Drug (IND) application submission
• Correlative studies that are associated with an open/ongoing or completed clinical trial, e.g., projects that utilize biospecimens from clinical trials to improve clinical management of lung cancer and/or define new areas of research
• Projects that develop endpoints for clinical trials
Funding Level 2
• Pilot clinical trials where limited clinical testing (e.g., small sample size) of a novel intervention is necessary to inform the next step in the continuum of translational research
Deadlines:
• Required Pre-Application Deadline: May 28, 2024
• Invitation to Submit an Application: July 2024
• Application Submission Deadline: Aug. 7, 2024
To meet the intent of the funding opportunity, all applications must address at least one Area of Emphasis in a way that can lead to, or directly effect, a breakthrough and have a major impact. The LCRP developed a strategy to address multiple issues in lung cancer research over the cancer continuum of care spectrum that will be considered for funding under the LCRP. These Areas of Emphasis are critical gaps in cancer research, care, and/or patient outcomes that, if addressed will lead to reduced suffering from lung cancer and improved quality of life of Service Members, Veterans, and the general public. Simply identifying an Area of Emphasis is not sufficient.
• Biology and Etiology
○ Understand the molecular mechanisms of initiation and progression to lung cancer.
○ Understand contributors to lung cancer development other than tobacco.
○ Understand the biology of metastatic/oligometastatic disease progression.
• Prevention
○ Identify innovative strategies for prevention of the occurrence of lung cancer(s) or subsequent primaries.
○ Identify innovative strategies for the prevention of recurrence or metastases from lung cancer.
• Detection, Diagnosis, and Surveillance
○ Improve and expand approaches to screening and early detection of lung cancer.
○ Identify strategies for prompt detection and/or characterization of progressive disease.
• Treatment and Prognosis
○ Identify innovative strategies for the treatment of lung cancer, including overcoming resistance.
○ Develop or optimize biomarkers to assist with therapeutic decision-making.
○ Enhance the understanding, detection, and treatment of brain and leptomeningeal metastases in lung cancer.
• Health Outcomes and Survivorship
○ Identify and understand the long-term and cumulative effects of lung cancer and its treatment(s) on patients, families, and support systems with respect to the impact on quality of life including, but not limited to, physiological, psychosocial, cognitive, and financial effects.
○ Identify and understand impact of comorbidities on survivorship care in all stages of lung cancer.
• Disparities
○ Advance equity and reduce lung cancer disparities among underserved and underrepresented populations.
The PI must be at or above the level of Assistant Professor (or equivalent). An eligible PI, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, or citizenship status, must be employed by or affiliated with an eligible organization.
The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 LCRP Translational Research Award – Funding Level 1 should not exceed $900,000.
The anticipated direct costs budgeted for the entire period of performance for an FY24 LCRP Translational Research Award – Funding Level 2, Clinical Trial, should not exceed $1.2M. Refer to Section II.D.5, Funding Restrictions, for detailed funding information.