Title:
Centers of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (U54) (RFA)

Contact:

Greg Downing, D.O., Ph.D. Director, Office of Technology and Industrial Relations
Office of the Director, NCI
Telephone: (301) 496-1550
E-mail: downingg@mail.nih.gov

Objective of Project:

As part of the NCI Alliance for Nanotechnology in Cancer , this Request for Applications (RFA) aims to create three to five Centers for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (CCNEs) that will serve as hubs to develop and apply nanotechnology solutions to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer. By balancing structured directives with investigator-initiated research, these Centers will bring together the interdisciplinary teams and provide the infrastructure necessary to develop and translate nanotechnology advances to the clinic. CCNEs must demonstrate the following capabilities: (1) integration with a Comprehensive Cancer Center, SPORE program, or related NCI core programs; (2) affiliation with university or research centers of engineering and physical sciences (e.g., mathematics, chemistry, physics, and material sciences); (3) nanomaterials fabrication and synthesis capabilities; (4) facilities and expertise to support animal models and small animal imaging; (5) advanced biocomputing capabilities; (6) existing not-for-profit/private technology development partnerships; (7) well-developed modules for integrative training in key areas relevant to the enterprise (e.g., biomaterials, clinical applications of nanotechnology); (8) education programs to disseminate information to the clinical oncology community, and (9) technology assessment capabilities to identify and bring in new nanomaterials and nanotechnologies for cancer research.

Description of Project:

Each CCNE represents a network of laboratories and research facilities organized to address one or more specific cancer nanotechnology platform needs. Each CCNE will be required to identify at least one of the following six programmatic areas of emphasis as its focus for technology platform development: molecular imaging/early detection, in vivo imaging, reporters of efficacy, multifunctional therapeutics, prevention and control, and research enablers. Within the context of the specific areas of emphasis identified, the CCNEs will offer the full range of support necessary to develop products suitable for clinical trial assessment. It is expected that each CCNE will undertake develop and prototype nanotechnology platforms, each with discrete milestones and a dedicated research team. Outcomes objectives (performance measures) for the CCNEs represent technologies that are developed and effectively utilized to overcome cancer processes.