January 15, 2013
The use of genomics to accurately predict individual responses to treatment with a drug or biologic agent is a central component of the future of personalized cancer medicine. This exciting direction in cancer treatment is the result of the discovery and elucidation of the molecular basis of cancer and involves understanding the risks and the responses that are associated with individual molecular differences. In this regard, there is a growing need not only to be able to predict which patients will respond to a particular treatment, but also who are likely to be the non-responders. The Landon Foundation-AACR INNOVATOR Award for Research in Personalized Cancer Medicine represents a joint effort between the Kirk A. and Dorothy P. Landon Foundation (Landon Foundation) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to accelerate progress in this area by providing support for physician-scientists who conduct meritorious studies with direct human therapeutic relevance.
Such studies may include proof-of-concept studies in humans; translational clinical trials that utilize science-based methodologies for patient selection; multidisciplinary research that includes the incorporation of disciplines that are new to cancer research, i.e., the physical sciences, mathematics, etc.; studies that molecularly target pathways; the identification of genes and genetic variations that play a role in cancer treatment responses; and other innovative areas of cancer therapeutics.
Applicants must be working in a multidisciplinary environment where collaborations are strongly encouraged, must have evidence of an established research program, and must plan to contribute significant time, effort and leadership to this project. This grant to physician-scientists is intended to have an impact on the field of personalized cancer medicine as a whole.
The award provides $100,000 over two years ($50,000 per year) for direct research expenses; which may include the salary and benefits of the grant recipient, postdoctoral or clinical research fellows, and/or research assistants, research/laboratory supplies, equipment and for attendance at AACR Annual Meetings, or other AACR meetings for the purpose of participating in scholarly exchange about the funded research.