LCRF Pilot Grant Program
The LCRF pilot grant program funds innovative projects across the full spectrum of basic, translational, clinical, epidemiological, health services, early detection, disparities, and social determinants of health research, focused on one or more of the following topics:
- Lung cancer biology
- Prevention and screening for early detection
- Identification of new biomarkers
- Development of more effective and less toxic therapies including but not limited to targeted and immune-therapies
- Genetic and gene-environment interactions
- Interactions and contributions of multiple factors (e.g. smoking, genetics, environment, societal factors) to disparities in lung cancer outcomes
- Mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to lung cancer therapies
- Bioengineering approaches to understanding and/or treating lung cancer (i.e., theranostics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, controlled-drug release, and gene-therapy)
- Supportive measures for people with lung cancer and their families
These awards provide a maximum of $150,000 in funding over a period of two years to early- and mid-career investigators. For full details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, please refer to the request for proposals.
Applications will be submitted through a two-step process consisting of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and full proposal. Applicants whose LOI submission is reviewed favorably will be invited to complete a full proposal. Letters of Intent will be accepted through April 30, 2022.
LCRF Research Grants on Oncogenic Drivers in Lung Cancer
LCRF has launched a new funding mechanism to support research projects with a focus on characterizing, identifying, treating or overcoming/preventing resistance to therapies in tumors harboring alterations in oncogenic drivers in NSCLC cells, tissues, mouse models, or patients. Work supported through this mechanism will addresses important mechanistic questions and developmental therapeutics across the care continuum and have the potential to increase survivorship. In 2022, in partnership with leading patient advocacy organizations, this grant mechanism will focus on three specific oncogenes: EGFR, MET and KRAS.
We encourage applications on a wide variety of topics related to EGFR, MET or KRAS-driven lung cancer, including, but not limited to the following:
- Biology and mechanisms of tumor progression
- Mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapies
- Novel treatment approaches, combinations, and new therapies
- Studies on the immune landscape, tumor microenvironment, and immunotherapies
These awards provide a maximum of $150,000 in funding over a period of two years to investigators with any level of research experience. For full details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, please refer to the request for proposals.
Applications will be submitted through a two-step process consisting of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and full proposal. Applicants whose LOI submission is reviewed favorably will be invited to complete a full proposal. Letters of Intent will be accepted through April 30, 2022.
Additional specific topics of interest related to the individual oncogenic drivers are listed below.
Oncogenic Drivers in Lung Cancer Grants RFP
LCRF and EGFR Resisters Research Grant on EGFR-Driven Lung Cancer
This project is led and funded in partnership with the EGFR Resisters.
While this list is not exclusive, additional areas of interest include:
- Methods for optimizing first-line EGFR TKI therapy
- Novel combination treatment approaches
- Identification of biomarkers to predict either sensitivity to specific therapies and/or timing of relapse on therapy
- Effective treatment strategies for brain metastases and leptomeningeal disease
LCRF and MET Crusaders Research Grant on MET-Driven Lung Cancer
This project is led and funded in partnership with the MET Crusaders.
While not exclusive, additional areas of interest include work on new therapies for MET-dependent lung cancers such as:
- Next-generation drugs or agents with novel mechanisms of action
- Agents that improve the safety profile of existing therapies
LCRF and KRAS Kickers Research Grant on KRAS-Driven Lung Cancer
This project is led and funded in partnership with the KRAS Kickers.
While not exclusive, additional areas of interest include:
- Evaluation of new therapeutic regimens (i.e. ADCs, targeted therapies, nanoparticles)
- Translational studies that may lead to clinical trials
- Assessment and impact of therapies on patients
LCRF Research Grant on Early Detection and Pre-Neoplasia in Lung Cancer
LCRF has launched a funding mechanism to support research projects that facilitate or advance the understanding and characterization of pre-neoplasia or approaches for early detection of lung cancer. Work supported through this mechanism addresses important questions in non-small cell and small cell lung cancer.
This funding mechanism is focused on identifying, characterizing, and developing approaches and techniques that will allow early detection of lung cancer and gaining insight into pre-neoplastic processes in the lungs. The ultimate goal is to detect lung cancer at the earliest stages and subsequently increase survival and survivorship. While this list is not exclusive, general areas of interest include:
- Identification and characterization of new biomarkers for NSCLC and SCLC
- Liquid biopsy assays and related techniques
- Improvements in risk stratifying patients for screening
- Development of predictive, diagnostic, or prognostic biomarkers
- Genomic and histological approaches to improve early detection in tissue samples
- Novel imaging modalities to identify and risk stratify pre-neoplastic lesions
- Studies of pre-neoplasia and progression to lung neoplasia
These awards provide a maximum of $150,000 in funding over a period of two years to early- and mid-career investigators. For full details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, please refer to the request for proposals.
Applications will be submitted through a two-step process consisting of a Letter of Intent (LOI) and full proposal. Applicants whose LOI submission is reviewed favorably will be invited to complete a full proposal. Letters of Intent will be accepted through April 30, 2022.
Early Detection & Pre-Neoplasia Research Grant RFP
LCRF Minority Career Development Award (CDA) in Lung Cancer
National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding is considered a prerequisite for establishing independence, academic promotion, recognition as an expert, serving on grant review panels, and leadership roles. Minority applicants are less likely to receive grants, to have the R phases of K01 or K99 awards activated, need more submissions to obtain funding, and often will not resubmit proposals. As minority applicants must overcome systemic and structural barriers due to race, ethnicity, country of origin, socioeconomic status, and/or language, many leave academia which further exacerbates the lack of diversity in STEM and medical fields. To provide protected time and mentoring to these trainees, we are launching the LCRF Minority Career Development Award (CDA) for Lung Cancer for minority postdoctoral/clinical fellows and assistant professors within 10 years of completing their MD and/or PhD degrees to submit proposals.
We encourage applications on a wide variety of topics including but not limited to the following:
- Lung cancer biology
- Prevention and screening for early detection
- Identification of new biomarkers
- Development of more effective and less toxic therapies including but not limited to targeted and immune-therapies
- Genetic and gene-environment interactions
- Interactions and contributions of multiple factors (e.g. smoking, genetics, environment, societal factors) to disparities in lung cancer outcomes
- Mechanisms of sensitivity and resistance to lung cancer therapies
- Bioengineering approaches to understanding and/or treating lung cancer (i.e., theranostics, biomaterials, nanotechnology, controlled-drug release, and gene-therapy)
- Supportive measures for people with lung cancer and their families
These awards provide a maximum of $150,000 in funding over a period of two years to early- and mid-career investigators. For complete details, eligibility criteria, and application instructions, please refer to the request for proposals.
The LCRF Minority Career Development Award (CDA) in Lung Cancer RFP applications will be accepted through May 27, 2022.