NOTE: This is a Forecasted Opportunity.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) intends to publish a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) as a Request for Applications (RFA) for Translational and Basic Science Research in Early Lesions (TBEL) Centers (U54). The TBEL program aims to integrate basic and translational cancer research concepts to examine the direct causal relationships and interactions of an early lesion, its microenvironment and host-systemic factors as “co-organizers” of tumor initiation (or suppression) and malignant progression. The ultimate goals of the TBEL program are to further understand the biological and pathophysiological mechanisms driving or restraining precancers and early cancers and facilitate biology-backed precision prevention approaches. Each TBEL Center shall have a unique thematic focus and be structured to test hypotheses that bridge basic and translational research in a synergistic and iterative fashion. Collectively, TBEL Centers will operate as a network that will inform future, rationally-design modes of intervention that are founded on strong biological mechanisms and be comprehensive, multi-dimensional, and appropriately tailored to the degree of malignant potential of an early lesion. This Notice is being provided to allow potential applicants sufficient time to develop a responsive, multicomponent TBEL application. The companion notice for the TBEL Coordinating and Data Management Center (CDMC; U24) is: NOT-CA-21-061.