The National Institutes of Health (NIH), through its National Cancer Institute (NCI), has announced a non-competitive funding opportunity, RFA-CA-24-032, to support the Canadian Collaborating Clinical Trials Network (CCCTN). This initiative will fund a single award to Queen’s University at Kingston, Ontario, Canada, enabling the university to maintain and enhance its role as a full partner in the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN). The focus of this collaboration is to support large-scale, multi-site clinical trials relevant to both U.S. and Canadian cancer patient populations. The goal is to enhance the regulatory expertise and oversight for NCTN trials in Canada and contribute to the scientific and operational efforts of the U.S.-based NCTN.

The purpose of the funding is to continue the integration of Canadian clinical trial sites into the NCTN, facilitating the participation of Canadian cancer patients in trials alongside U.S. counterparts. These trials focus on late-phase, randomized phase 2 and 3 treatment trials, as well as advanced imaging studies in various cancer types. The CCCTN plays a crucial role in regulatory compliance and trial conduct within Canada, including patient enrollment, trial monitoring, and data management. The collaboration aims to streamline processes and ensure that trials are efficiently executed across both countries, leveraging shared infrastructure and expertise to support innovative cancer therapies, such as immunotherapy and precision medicine approaches.

This funding opportunity intends to provide $3.8 million for fiscal year 2026, supporting a project period of up to six years. The award will help cover the operational and scientific management of the Canadian Collaborating Clinical Trials Network. Specifically, the network will contribute to trial design, statistical analysis, patient recruitment, and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards for both U.S. and Canadian protocols. The funding will also support the necessary infrastructure for robust data management, trial oversight, and the integration of Canadian expertise into the broader NCTN framework.

Eligibility for this award is restricted to Queen’s University at Kingston, the current Canadian partner in the NCTN under a prior agreement (RFA-CA-17-058). As the only eligible applicant, the university will continue its leadership in trial development and patient accrual in Canada, while collaborating with U.S. institutions in the network. Other entities, such as federal governments, tribal organizations, and foreign components, are not eligible to apply for this particular funding, as it is limited to the pre-identified institution.

Applications are expected to follow specific instructions outlined in the NIH "How to Apply" guide, with emphasis on a multi-component format. Key dates for this opportunity include the earliest submission date of January 24, 2025, and a final application deadline of February 24, 2025. Applicants must adhere strictly to these deadlines, as late submissions will not be accepted. Additionally, while a letter of intent is not mandatory, it is encouraged to assist NCI in planning for the review process.

The review process will focus on several factors, including the significance of the proposed work, the innovation in trial design and data management, and the overall approach for ensuring patient participation and regulatory compliance. Applicants should present clear strategies for enhancing trial operations and contributing to the shared goals of the NCTN. The earliest start date for awarded projects is December 2025, following a review and approval process that includes scientific merit review in July 2025 and advisory council review in October 2025.

Overall, this funding opportunity is a critical component of the NCI’s efforts to expand its clinical trial network across North America, fostering collaboration between Canadian and U.S. institutions in advancing cancer treatment research.