Cellular and Molecular Biology, Physiology, and Biotechnology Branch
Division of Basic and Translational Sciences
We are seeking Concept Clearance for a Request for Application (RFA) that aims to encourage basic and translational research to decipher the complex molecular networks involved in the development of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (HNSCCs).
Cancers of the oral cavity, salivary glands, larynx and pharynx, collectively referred to as HNSCCs, represent the 6th most common cancer in the developed world, and are often associated with low survival and high morbidity rates. Surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy have not improved the 50% overall 5-year survival of this devastating disease over the past twenty years. Moreover, because of their location, treatment can lead to long-term functional and cosmetic defects in survivors, which can have a significant impact on the quality of life. The high mortality rate may be, in part, due to the fact that head and neck cancers are being diagnosed at predominantly later stages of the disease. Thus, early diagnosis plays a key role in disease progression, treatment response, and ultimately for the quality of life and patient survival.
Recent sequencing and annotation of the human genome and development of highly sensitive, high-throughput techniques have afforded the unique opportunity to perform a comprehensive molecular characterization of normal, precancerous, and malignant cells. In addition, novel and emerging developments in proteomic technologies will build on and complement the information obtained from these genomic studies and aid in unraveling the nature of the molecular alterations responsible for HNSCCs development. Such knowledge will greatly benefit the prevention and prognosis of HNSCCs.
This initiative will foster collaborative and multidisciplinary research using the state-of-art genomic and proteomic approaches and encourages research projects that focus on:
- Correlation of the genomic state, gene transcription profiles, and repertoire of proteins expressed and their activity with the functional status of both normal and aberrant cells;
- New and existing discoveries in genomics/proteomics to develop novel biomarkers for early detection of pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions, which might also serve as candidate targets for therapy.