Cooperative planning frant for cancer disparities research partnership. (Fellowships, grants, & awards).

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites cooperative planning grant applications (using the U56 mechanism) in an effort to strengthen the national cancer program by developing models to reduce significant negative consequences of cancer disparities seen in certain U.S. populations. This grant will support the planning, development, and conduct of radiation oncology clinical research trials in institutions that care for a disproportionate number of medically underserved, low income, ethnic, and minority populations but have not been traditionally involved in NCI-sponsored research. The grant will also support the planning, development, and implementation of nurturing partnerships between applicant institutions and committed and experienced institutions actively involved in NCI-sponsored cancer research. All approaches to planning are encouraged, as long as they address the following essential features: a focus on cancer disparities, radiation ontology clinical research, institutional commitment, organizational capabilities, facilities, and interdisciplinary, coordination and collaboration.

The four overall objectives and scope of this request for applications (RFA) are to solicit cooperative planning grants that would 1) build and stabilize independent and collaborative clinical research capabilities of institutions providing radiation oncology care to populations experiencing the negative consequences of cancer-related health disparities; 2) increase the number of clinical scientists engaged in radiation oncology research by providing access to and participation in clinical trials with the target populations; 3) improve the effectiveness of the applicant institution and its partner institution in developing and sustaining activities focused on radiation ontology clinical research trials and mortality and morbidity in cancer among the target populations, continuing past the life of this grant; and 4) establish priorities for and initiate stable, long-term collaborations and partnerships that will strengthen competitive cancer research, research training and career development, education, and outreach capabilities at both the applicant institution and the partner institution that address problems and issues relevant to the disproportionate cancer incidence and mortality.

The most significant components of a U56 Cancer Disparities Research Partnership application are 1) a thorough description and implementation plan of the proposed radiation oncology clinical trials research effort that must address the negative consequences of cancer disparities in the population served with the inclusion of examples of pilot clinical trials research projects, and 2) the articulation of the steps to be taken with potential partner institutions during the first year of the award to develop a comprehensive and supportive partnership relationship and the subsequent implementation of that plan over the remaining life of the grant with the selected partner. The expectation is that successful Cancer Disparities Research Partnership projects will ultimately be competitively funded grants (e.g., R03, R01, project on a P01, project on a P50).

The NCI is strongly committed to reducing cancer-related health disparities across the cancer control continuum from prevention to end-of-life. The NCI's Strategic Plan to Reduce Health Disparities can be viewed online at http://www. cancer.gov/announccments/healthdisp.html. The NCI supports research to understand the complex causes of disparities in cancer risk, incidence, and mortality, including socioeconomic, cultural, environmental, institutional, behavioral, biologic, and other contributing factors seen in the health care delivery system. The overall goal is to understand the causes of health disparities and to develop effective interventions to eliminate these disparities that result in significant negative outcomes. More research is needed that specifically addresses these and other cancer disparities if these trends are to be reduced and brought into balance with the rest of the population.

The NCI and the Radiation Research Program (RRP) anticipate making up to three 5-year grant awards in fiscal year 2002. The NCI/RRP plans to set aside $2.1 million for the initial year's funding, which includes direct costs, costs for facilities and administration, and one-time capital equipment costs. Excluding one-time capital costs expended in the first year, applicants may request a budget for direct costs of up to an average of $400,000 per year over the 5 years of the grant. The total project period for applications submitted in response to this RFA may not exceed 5 years. The anticipated award date is 20 September 2002.

The deadline for letters of intent is 6 February 2002, with final applications due 13 March 2002. Further information on this RFA is available online at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/rfa-files/ RFA-CA-02-002.html.

Contact: Frank Govern, Radiation Oncology Sciences Program, NCI, Executive Plaza North, 6015A, 6130 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7440, Bethesda, MD 20892-7440 USA, 301-496-6111, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]; Norman Coleman, Radiation Oncology Sciences Program, NCI, DCTD, RRP, Executive Plaza North, 6015A, 6130 Executive Boulevard, MSC 7440, Bethesda, MD 20892-7440 USA, 301-496-6111, fax: [phone], e-mail: [e-mail]. Reference: RFA No. RFA-CA-02-O02