The Microbial-based Cancer Imaging and Therapy funding opportunity, offered by the National Cancer Institute and National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, supports research on utilizing microorganisms and their products for cancer therapy, imaging, and diagnostics. This program invites applications to investigate interactions between microorganisms, tumors, and the immune system, focusing on preclinical and mechanistic studies in cell culture and animal models. The aim is to explore microbial therapies as alternatives or complements to conventional cancer treatments, particularly for conditions where existing methods are inadequate.

The scope of research includes studying microbial mechanisms like tumor homing, colonization, and activation of antitumor immunity. Microorganisms such as bacteria, bacteriophages, and non-oncolytic viruses can be used as therapeutic agents or vehicles for cancer-specific imaging and drug delivery. The program also seeks innovative applications of microbial metabolites, bioreactors, and engineered microbes to overcome issues like hypoxia, drug resistance, and metastasis in cancer treatment. Studies addressing microbial diagnostics, microbial-based imaging, and microbial interactions with the immune system are also encouraged.

Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local governments, tribal entities, and foreign organizations. Applicants must complete standard registrations through SAM, Grants.gov, and eRA Commons. Proposals may request funding beyond $500,000 in direct costs annually but must consult program officers in advance. Budgets should align with the project's actual needs, and the maximum project period is five years.

Applications must address the microbial and tumor aspects of cancer therapy and include a multidisciplinary approach with expertise in microbiology, cancer research, and immunology. Submissions should clearly describe the transformative potential of the proposed research, include a detailed resource-sharing plan, and comply with NIH data management requirements. Non-responsive applications include those focused on oncolytic viruses or solely on microbial community analysis.

The program emphasizes a comprehensive review of applications based on their significance, innovation, rigor, and feasibility. Proposals must demonstrate the scientific and translational potential to impact cancer imaging, therapy, and diagnostics significantly. Applications are subject to NIH peer review, and award decisions will consider scientific merit, program priorities, and available funding.

Submission deadlines follow the NIH standard calendar, with the first due date on February 5, 2025. Letters of intent are not mandatory but encouraged. Applicants are advised to contact program officers for guidance on aligning their proposals with NIH priorities. This funding opportunity represents a unique avenue for advancing microbial-based solutions in cancer research, particularly in underexplored areas like solid tumor imaging and therapy.