Innovations in Cancer Sample Preparation

For a description of the Innovations in Cancer Sample Preparation program, click here.

For a detailed description of the electronic submission process, click here.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has developed solicitations for “Innovations in Cancer Sample Preparation” that are centered on the development of novel sample preparation technologies that are suitable for molecular analyses of cancer cells and their host environments. These Requests for Applications (RFAs) are solicited using the Phased Technology Application Award and the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) mechanisms.

Innovative Technology Solutions to Cancer Sample Preparation

Innovative Technology Solutions to Cancer Sample Preparation

Innovative Technology Solutions to Cancer Sample Preparation

Innovative Technology Solutions to Cancer Sample Preparation

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) invites applications for research projects involving the development and significant enhancement or adaptation of sample preparation methodologies and technologies, the development of assays to assess sample quality, and studies designed to elucidate the criteria by which to judge sample quality. The outcome will be products and methods designed to optimize sample utility. Samples may originate from residual material not necessary for patient care or from cell lines, model organisms, or other sources relevant to cancer research.

The development of new and/or improved cancer sample preparation methodologies and technologies, the development of assays to assess sample quality, and studies to elucidate the criteria needed to judge sample quality covers a wide range of project sizes and innovation levels. These RFAs will allow the submission of applications involving R21, R21/R33, and R33 mechanisms. R21 applicants may propose small, highly innovative feasibility studies or small, short-term exploratory studies to meet one of the RFA goals. R21/R33 applicants should propose projects that require a small feasibility study followed by a well-defined development plan. Successful completion of the R21 feasibility study and the resulting transition to the R33 phase will be judged by NCI staff per NCI R21/R33 policy. Projects for which feasibility has already been established may be proposed as R33 applications. Feasibility means that some preliminary experiments have been performed and that there is sufficient technical data to support proof-of-principle of the technology/hypothesis.

This initiative is part of a broader technology development program within the NCI. That program underscores the desire of NCI to develop and integrate novel technologies focused on the molecular analysis of cancers and their micro-environment in support of cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment. In the research continuum of discovery, development, and delivery, this program thus emphasizes the link between development and delivery. This specific initiative aims to foster the development of sample preparation techniques and methodologies that are essential for effective research, technology development, and validation that will eventually lead to clinical applications.

¹While no preliminary data are necessary, the applicants must demonstrate the innovative nature of the particular technology or approach proposed for development.

²Quantitative milestones for each specific aim must be provided as a way of determining during the project and at its completion whether an applicant has successfully reached the specified goal. Milestones should be clearly stated as numerical quantitative specifications for relevant measures/properties.

³Detailed preliminary data must be provided in support of the feasibility of the technology or approach that is proposed for development. Such data may reflect successful completion of Phase I and associated milestones. For SBIR/STTR FOAs, feasibility data need to be largely obtained through a NIH-sponsored Phase I project.

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