Innovative Research Grants Launched to Combat Lung Cancer Challenges
In a significant step towards improving lung cancer care, up to $1 million is available for innovative research projects aimed at delivering real-world impacts for patients battling the disease.
LUNGevity Foundation, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to lung cancer, has teamed up with Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research to call for research proposals that address two of the most pressing issues in lung cancer treatment: the early detection of cancer recurrence and overcoming treatment resistance.
Lung cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Despite advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, many patients unfortunately face issues like resistance to these treatments or experience tumor growth after benefitting from initial treatment. This reality underscores the critical need for ongoing research in this field.
Dr. Upal Basu Roy, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, emphasizes, "Current methods do not allow us to detect drug resistance early in the treatment course. Early detection means that healthcare providers could adjust treatment methods to prevent resistance, ultimately allowing patients to manage their cancers more effectively over time." This call for research funding is aimed at addressing these gaps, fostering the development of ways to proactively detect drug resistance and innovate treatments to overcome it.
By collaborating, LUNGevity and Rising Tide Foundation are paving the way for funding clinical trials that will translate scientific discoveries into essential diagnostics and therapies that could save lives.
This collaboration has initiated the RTFCCR/LUNGevity Award for Overcoming Treatment Resistance and Detection of Recurrence in Lung Cancer, which offers funding up to $1 million for each project over a four-year period. This initiative supports innovative research with the potential to provide direct patient benefits, building on previous partnerships that focused on enhancing early detection capabilities.
Dr. Karolina Werynska, Scientific Program Manager at RTFCCR, expresses excitement about this collaborative effort: "We are proud to partner with LUNGevity to continue innovating through patient-centered clinical research that can significantly transform lung cancer survivorship. We eagerly await the innovative proposals researchers will bring forward."
Successful applicants to this grant will be required to implement a patient-centered design in their projects, showcasing the engagement of patient advocates or organizations from project inception. Additionally, projects should target one of three vital areas: developing treatments for resistance, validating lab-created tests that monitor resistance and treatment responses, or establishing tests for identifying minimal residual disease.
The application portal provides more details on submission requirements and guidelines for interested researchers. The deadline for proposals is approaching soon.
About Rising Tide Foundation
Founded in 2010 and based in Switzerland, the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research is a nonprofit organization devoted to enhancing patient-centered clinical research in cancer treatment. The organization prioritizes innovative approaches aimed at providing meaningful benefits to cancer patients as swiftly as possible.
The foundation emphasizes fostering collaborations and supporting top-tier clinical trials ranging from Phase I through Phase III. Their goals include creating less toxic treatment alternatives, effective disease management, early detection of cancer, and innovating intervention strategies that enhance the quality of life and survival rates for patients.
With a plethora of resources available, the foundation strives to realize its vision of a world where cancer is no longer a death sentence. The Rising Tide Foundation works diligently to provide researchers and patients alike the tools and support they need.
About LUNGevity Foundation
LUNGevity Foundation, recognized as the leading organization focused on lung cancer in the nation, is dedicated to transforming the experience of being diagnosed and living with lung cancer. Their mission emphasizes improving the quality of life and survivorship for all impacted by this condition, while also addressing health inequalities across the care spectrum.
The organization employs a multifaceted approach to research, advocacy, and community engagement aimed at enhancing early detection, facilitating access to screening and treatment breakthroughs, and actively supporting individuals affected by lung cancer.
Efforts include developing a comprehensive array of resources to assist patients, such as a dedicated website, help lines for personalized support, and tools to find clinical trials, all geared toward achieving their ultimate goal: a world devoid of lung cancer fatalities.
Lung Cancer Statistics in the United States
Approximately 1 in every 18 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer throughout their lifetime. Projections indicate that more than 226,000 individuals will receive a lung cancer diagnosis this year alone, with a new diagnosis occurring every 2.3 minutes. A staggering 65% of new lung cancer cases occur in individuals with minimal or no prior tobacco use.
Lung cancer claims more lives than colorectal and pancreatic cancers combined. The survival rate after five years is only 28%, but when lung cancer is detected before metastasis, the five-year survivor rate can improve significantly to 65%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the RTFCCR/LUNGevity Award?
The RTFCCR/LUNGevity Award aims to fund research addressing treatment resistance and cancer recurrence in lung cancer patients, potentially benefiting their health.
Who can apply for the research grants?
Researchers and institutions focused on innovative solutions for lung cancer treatments can apply for these grants.
How much funding is available for each research project?
Up to $1 million in funding is available per project over a span of four years.
What areas must successful projects address?
Projects should explore treatments for resistance, validate lab tests for monitoring treatment response, or work on minimal residual disease detection.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply for funding is February 15, 2026.
