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
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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