The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has announced a funding opportunity titled "Molecular Imaging of Inflammation in Cancer" (R01), aimed at advancing molecular imaging technologies to study cancer-related inflammation in vivo. The goal of this funding opportunity is to enable researchers to use cutting-edge imaging methods to explore the role of inflammation in cancer, particularly the dynamic interactions between tumors and inflammatory pathways. This opportunity is designed for multidisciplinary projects that bring together experts in cancer biology, immunology, and imaging, with a requirement for multiple principal investigators from these fields to lead the project. Clinical trials are not allowed under this NOFO, and projects must focus on preclinical and translational research.

Applicants are encouraged to propose projects that employ non-invasive, in vivo imaging techniques to monitor specific immune cells, inflammatory markers, and signaling pathways related to cancer progression. Research should address how inflammation affects cancer cell behavior, influences the tumor microenvironment, and modulates treatment responses. Projects may also investigate the interactions between inflammation and tumor immunology, identify biomarkers of inflammation that impact tumor behavior, and explore the potential for imaging-guided therapeutic interventions. Additionally, imaging tools developed in other fields of inflammation research may be adapted for use in cancer-related inflammation under this initiative.

Key research areas include, but are not limited to, developing and optimizing imaging probes targeting inflammatory markers in cancer, coupling high-resolution in vivo imaging with in vitro and ex vivo assays to characterize tumor inflammation, and exploring imaging techniques to capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of immune cell trafficking in tumors. The NOFO also seeks projects using quantitative imaging to track inflammatory responses over time, which could lead to better monitoring of tumor progression and treatment efficacy.

Funding is available for projects up to five years, with an annual direct cost limit of $500,000. Applications may be new submissions or resubmissions but must demonstrate substantial interdisciplinary collaboration. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, government entities, and certain nonprofit and for-profit organizations, provided they are U.S.-based or have domestic components within U.S. organizations. Although foreign organizations are not eligible, foreign components of U.S.-based organizations may participate.

The application process includes specific requirements such as submitting a Data Management and Sharing Plan, securing appropriate IRB or IEC approvals for projects involving human subjects, and meeting NIH’s registration requirements in systems like eRA Commons and Grants.gov. Letters of support from collaborative partners are highly encouraged to strengthen applications. The submission deadlines are standard NIH deadlines, with the first due date on February 5, 2025, and subsequent deadlines every four months until January 2028. A letter of intent, although optional, is recommended 30 days prior to the due date.

Evaluation criteria focus on the significance of the research, innovation, rigor of the scientific approach, interdisciplinary team capabilities, and the appropriateness of resources and facilities. Projects will be assessed on their potential to yield reproducible, robust data, and the feasibility of completing the proposed studies within the five-year period. Special attention will be given to projects that address key questions in cancer inflammation biology through innovative imaging techniques, and that demonstrate a clear path to advancing cancer treatment and understanding through their findings.

For more information, applicants can contact Dr. Charles Lin at the NCI, with specific contact information provided in the announcement.