Title:Lung Cancer and Inflammation RFA (R01)

Contact:

R. Allan Mufson, Ph.D
Division of Cancer Biology
National Cancer Institute
6130 Executive Boulevard, EPN
Room 5062, MSC 7388
Bethesda, MD 20892-7388
Telephone: 301/496-7815
FAX: 301/480-2844
E-mail: mufsonr@mail.nih.gov

Objective of Project:

The National Cancer Institute invites investigator-initiated grant applications for studies elucidating the role of the microenvironment and inflammation in lung carcinogenesis, as well as studies of their influence on the cell of the origin and putative lung tumor stem cells. The range of activities supported by this Request for Application (RFA) could include animal models and cell culture models investigating potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer, as well as studies incorporating the analysis of human tissues to define the critical factors leading to lung carcinogenesis.

Description of Project:

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the western world, accounting for more deaths than those caused by prostate, breast, and colorectal cancer combined. Difficult to detect in its early stages, most cases of lung cancer are diagnosed in advanced stages resulting in an overall survival rate of ~ 15 percent. Thus, it is particularly important to understand the early events that precipitate the development of lung carcinogenesis. Current research suggests that: pro-inflammatory conditions particularly those related to chronic pulmonary irritation contribute to the development of lung cancer; and the occurrence of lung cancer in non-smokers may be strongly correlated with pulmonary inflammation. The molecular and biochemical factors that may be specific to the pulmonary inflammation related to lung carcinogenesis, as well as their effects on target cells, are incompletely understood and have received insufficient research attention. Further research to determine the early and sequential changes that occur in lung cells, especially the putative lung stem cell, as they progress from normal to pre-malignancy is needed. The role of pulmonary stem cells in lung carcinogenesis has only recently emerged in mouse models systems, and deserves increased research efforts. This initiative seeks to stimulate research in the gaps in our understanding on the inflammatory mechanisms and cellular changes specific to the lung that contribute to the development of lung cancer.