The National Institutes of Health have announced a potential commitment of up to $50 million OVER 5 YEARS to form a Tumor Microenvironment Network (TMEN). This U54 opportunity proposes to assemble up to TWELVE Centers to 1) generate a comprehensive understanding of composition of the stroma in normal tissues as well as its roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis; 2) delineate mechanisms of tumor-stroma interactions in human cancer; and 3) identify the mechanism(s) by which tumor stroma may affect responses to treatment. Primary brain tumors are of interest as well as peripheral nervous system tumors. The program is co-funded by National Cancer Institute and National institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke. An applicant may request a project period of up to 5 years and a budget up to $700,000 per year (direct costs).
Given the established role of the microenvironment in NF tumors, this program offers a terrific opportunity for neurofibromatosis research centers to apply. Letters of Intent are due December 20, 2010 and if invited full applications byJanuary 20, 2011. Anticipated earliest start date of funding: September 2011. For more information click here. (Request for Applications RFA-CA-021).
