Application and Use of Transformative Emerging Technologies in Cancer Research

For a description of the Application and Use of Transformative Emerging Technologies in Cancer Research program, click here.

For a detailed description of the electronic submission process, click here.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has developed solicitations for "Application and Use of Transformative Emerging Technologies in Cancer Research" that are designed to support research projects evaluating technologies that are ready for initial clinical or laboratory application in cancer research. These Requests for Applications (RFAs) are solicited using the Phased Technology Application Award and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) mechanisms.

Application and Use of Transformative Emerging Technologies in Cancer Research

Application and Use of Transformative Emerging Technologies in Cancer Research

NCI invites applications for research projects to evaluate the utility and pilot the application of molecular analysis technologies in studies relevant to cancer research. Molecular analysis technologies of interest include those that are entirely novel, or emerging but not currently in broad scale use, or technologies currently in use for one application or set of applications, that are being evaluated for utility for alternative applications. These RFAs provide support for a first phase for technology evaluation and a second phase for pilot application of the technology in a study of biological interest to cancer research.

The first (evaluation) phase should include proof-of-principle experiments that will demonstrate the utility of the technology on samples comparable to those that will be used in the second phase study. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the utility of all components of the process required for a fully integrated system, including sample preparation, molecular analysis assay, and data capture and analysis.

The second (application) phase supports the transition of the technology optimized in the first (evaluation) phase to pilot application in a study of biological interest to cancer research. The design of the second phase study should allow the demonstration that the technology can reproducibly obtain molecular data from the selected sample type and produce information of biological interest to cancer research. Studies might appropriately target analysis of precancerous, cancerous, or metastatic cells, or host derived samples, from model cancer systems, preclinical or clinical research, or from population-based research.

Technologies suited for this solicitation include those that enable the: detection of alterations and instabilities of genomic DNA; measurement of expression of genes and gene products; analysis and detection of gene and/or cellular products including differential expression, quantitation, post translational modification, and function of proteins; identification of exogenous infectious agents in cancer; assaying the function or major signal transduction networks involved in cancer.

Additionally, technologies that will support molecular analysis in vitro, in situ, or in vivo (by imaging or other methods) are suitable for these RFAs. Technologies are defined as instrumentation, techniques, devices, and analytical tools (e.g., computer software) but are distinct from resources such as databases and tissue repositories.

¹While no preliminary data are necessary, the applicants must demonstrate the innovative nature of the particular technology or approach proposed for development.

²Quantitative milestones for each specific aim must be provided as a way of determining during the project and at its completion whether an applicant has successfully reached the specified goal. Milestones should be clearly stated as numerical quantitative specifications for relevant measures/properties.

³Detailed preliminary data must be provided in support of the feasibility of the technology or approach that is proposed for development. Such data may reflect successful completion of Phase I and associated milestones. For SBIR/STTR FOAs, feasibility data need to be largely obtained through a NIH-sponsored Phase I project.

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