The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a funding opportunity titled Co-infection and Cancer (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) under Funding Opportunity Number PAR-25-082. This initiative, led by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), is aimed at advancing research into the roles of co-infection in cancer development and progression. Co-infection is defined as the occurrence of two or more infections, whether simultaneous or sequential, involving pathogens or non-pathogenic agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The goal of this program is to explore how these co-infections contribute to cancer risk and progression and identify potential strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.

The program encourages investigations that focus on co-infections with known oncogenic agents, excluding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and seeks studies that can lead to new opportunities in cancer treatment and prevention. In addition to pathogenic agents, research that includes the role of non-pathogenic agents, such as those in the microbiome, will be considered responsive. The program supports projects that delve into uncharted areas of co-infection and cancer, with an emphasis on mechanistic and epidemiologic research that could have practical implications for cancer control.

Applicants are encouraged to focus on differences in cancer susceptibility, progression, and survival among diverse populations, including those that are racially or ethnically diverse, as well as medically underserved communities. International collaborations are also supported, particularly for studies in low- and middle-income countries where infection-associated cancers are more prevalent.

The first submission date is January 5, 2025, with application due dates beginning on February 5, 2025. Budgets are not limited but must align with the scope of the project, and the maximum project period is five years. Applications must be submitted electronically through NIH's ASSIST system or Grants.gov. Eligible applicants include higher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profit organizations, and foreign entities.

The program seeks to support well-developed research projects backed by preliminary data. Studies that focus solely on co-infection with HIV or involve only a single pathogen will not be considered responsive. Evaluation criteria include the scientific merit of the project, innovation, and feasibility, as well as the expertise of the research team. This funding opportunity offers a unique chance to explore how co-infections contribute to cancer and potentially uncover new strategies for prevention and treatment across diverse populations.