Notice of Special Interest: Basic Mechanisms of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Action in Cancer

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research on how exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids influence cancer biology, treatment response, symptom management, and prevention of early lesions. Projects should elucidate cellular and molecular mechanisms in relevant cancer models.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Any U.S. or foreign institution eligible under the chosen parent FOA (R01, R21, R03, K08, K22, or K99/R00).

• Principal Investigator with expertise in cancer biology, aging, pharmacology, or related disciplines.

• Proposed study must address at least one NOSI objective (e.g., cannabinoid effects on tumor growth, tumor microenvironment, treatment resistance, symptom relief).

• Use of human-relevant models (organoids, PDX) is strongly encouraged.

• Applications will be withdrawn if they:

  • Are purely clinical trials

  • Focus on non–cancer-related symptoms

  • Lack cancer models, specimens, or cells

Funding Details:

Submit under one of these FOAs (or their reissues) through May 8, 2027. For all, include NOT-CA-22-085 in box 4B of SF424 (R&R).

• R01 (Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required):

  • PA-20-184 – First due June 5, 2022

• R01 (Clinical Trial Not Allowed):

  • PA-20-185 – First due June 5, 2022

  • PAR-21-038 (Early Stage Investigator) – First due September 27, 2022

• R01 (Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required):

  • PAR-21-039 (Early Stage Investigator) – First due September 27, 2022

• R21 (Clinical Trial Not Allowed):

  • PA-20-195 – First due June 16, 2022

  • PAR-20-292 (CTEP R21 Clinical Trial Optional) – First due June 21, 2022

• R03 (Small Grants Program; Clinical Trial Optional):

  • PAR-20-052 – First due June 24, 2022

• K08 (Mentored Clinical Scientist; Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required):

  • PA-20-201 – First due June 12, 2022

  • PA-20-203 (Clinical Trial Not Allowed) – First due June 12, 2022

• K22 (Transition Career Development Award):

  • PAR-21-128 (Clinical Trial Not Allowed) – First due June 12, 2022

  • PAR-21-318 (Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) – First due June 12, 2022

• K99/R00 (Pathway to Independence; Clinical Trial Not Allowed):

  • PA-20-188 – First due June 12, 2022

  • PA-20-189 (Basic Experimental Studies with Humans Required) – First due June 12, 2022

Budget caps and project periods follow each parent FOA’s guidelines.

Deadline:

Applications accepted through May 8, 2027, per the parent FOA schedule.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• NOSI Text

Scientific Contacts (NCI):

• Cancer Biology: Ron Johnson, Ph.D. ([email protected])

• Cancer Interception: Sharon Ross, Ph.D., M.P.H. ([email protected])

• Cancer Treatment: Yali Fu, Ph.D. ([email protected])

• Symptom Management: Jeffrey White, M.D. ([email protected])

Career Development (K) Inquiries:

• Nastaran Zahir, Ph.D. ([email protected])

Grants Management Contact:

• Carol Perry ([email protected])