Grant Funding Announced for NET Cancer Research

Request for Applications Issued

The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) has announced its latest Request for Applications (RFA) and invites innovative research applications in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) that can bring the field closer to more effective therapies.

Elyse Gellerman, NETRF CEO
Elyse Gellerman, NETRF CEO

“We are looking to fund research capable of having a rapid impact on improving care for NET patients,” said Elyse Gellerman, NETRF Chief Executive Officer. “These are significant grants meant to attract the most talented researchers around the world.”

This uncommon cancer occurring in hormone-producing cells is often overlooked for research funding. NETRF serves as the major private funder of NET cancer research. “There have been many recent discoveries that have changed the way some cancers are diagnosed and treated,” said Daniel Chung, MD, Co-chair, NETRF Board of Scientific Advisors. “But the treatment of NETs lags behind. We need to accelerate our search for effective treatments and are looking for transformative ideas.”

To ensure that high-quality, meaningful research proposals are selected, NETRF uses a rigorous peer review process, which includes external expert reviewers and a Board of Scientific Advisors.  “We are seeking cutting-edge research proposals that apply novel science and new technologies to help advance existing knowledge and accelerate the development of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients,” said Effie Tzameli, PhD, NETRF Director of Research.

Interested applicants must submit a letter of intent by June 15, 2018. From that pool, exceptional investigators with the most promising and transformative ideas will be invited to submit full proposals. Grant awards will be announced in December 2018.

Effie Tzameli, PhD, NETRF Dir of Research

Last year NETRF invested heavily in a targeted form of radiation called peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT).  “While we invite basic, translational, and clinical research applications in gastroenteropancreatic tumors, we are excited to announce the creation of a new fund this year dedicated exclusively to the study of lung carcinoids, and we expect to fund at least one such grant”, said Tzameli.

The NETRF Board of Directors reinforced its commitment through this offering. “We are committed to projects based on strong science that can both increase our understanding of these tumors, while also offering real potential for extending and improving patients’ quality of life,” said Joseph Li, MD, Chair, NETRF Board of Directors.

Since 2005, NETRF has funded $20 million in scientific research grants to expand the molecular understanding of NETs and help drive personalized treatment options for patients. The grants fall into three categories: Accelerator Grants, Investigator Grants, and Pilot Project Grants. NETRF has funded research projects in the U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Australia, and the Netherlands.

Learn more about NETRF’s 2018 Grant Opportunities.