Apr 17, 2025, 11:23

2025 ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge

The 2025 ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge aims to accelerate collaborative research in limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) by supporting studies that integrate immunotherapy (IO) with advanced radiation oncology techniques. This initiative seeks to improve treatment workflows, understand disease patterns, identify biomarkers, and manage toxicities in combined chemo-radiation and immunotherapy settings.

Research proposals must focus on LS-SCLC within the United States and may explore innovative approaches such as SBRT, hypofractionation, AI applications, and the evolving role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI).

Eligibility Criteria

Must be based in the United States
Open to:
- Higher Education Institutions
- Nonprofits other than institutions of higher education
- Community Cancer Centers
Institutions must agree to AstraZeneca’s grant agreement terms (non-negotiable)

Funding Details

Total Grant Pool: Up to 750,000 USD
Number of Awards: 2 to 4 grants
Amount per Award: 175,000 USD – 375,000 USD (total costs, including direct and indirect)
Indirect Costs: Up to 28% of total project budget allowed
Duration: As proposed in the application (within funding constraints)

Priority Research Areas

Combining cCRT and IO: workflow optimization, safety, efficacy, and outcomes
Biomarker discovery and disease relapse analysis
Use of novel radiation methods (e.g., SBRT, hypofractionation)
AI tools for detection and toxicity prediction
Evaluating patient-reported outcomes and prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI)
Translational research involving exploratory or mechanistic studies

Out-of-Scope Topics

Studies conducted outside the U.S.
Extensive-stage SCLC
Research on non-SCLC tumor types

Application Deadline

Due: April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET
Submission: Via the ASTRO Proposal Central Portal

AI in oncology AstraZeneca ASTRO cancer Cancer Biomarkers cancer treatment cCRT Hypofractionation immunotherapy limited-stage SCLC lung cancer research OncoDaily Oncology radiation oncology SBRT SCLC small cell lung cancer Translational Oncology

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