Contact:
Vernon E. Steele, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Division of Cancer Prevention, NCI
Telephone 301-594-0420
e-mail: vs1y@nih.gov

Objective of Project:
This initiative will encourage applications to fund preclinical research focused on (1) validating surrogate biomarkers for tobacco-related cancers in animal models under experimental protocols that mimic the high risk of former smokers and (2) identifying and prioritizing agents that prevent cancers in organ systems of tobacco-related cancers using protocols which mimic the higher risk of former smokers at the time of intervention.

Description of Project:
Preclinical studies using animal models have been critically important for identifying a number of chemical agents which are now being applied in the prevention of tobacco-related cancers (e.g., glucocorticoids, retinoids, COX-2 inhibitors). Further use of animal models with unique protocols aimed at developing newer more potent agents for prevention of tobacco-related cancers may accelerate and drive forward the clinical research in this field. These developments will diminish the risk of tobacco-related cancers. This RFA is designed to support research projects that address the development, validation and application of surrogate biomarkers and the development of agents which prevent cancer in late intervention protocols which mimic the risk and are applicable to former smokers. The target organs of interest include: lung, head and neck, bladder, esophagus, pancreas, cervix, and colon. The goals of these studies are to provide surrogate markers and agents for future clinical trials to prevent cancers in former smokers.