DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - CONGRESSIONALLY DIRECTED MEDICAL RESEARCH PROGRAMS

Vision – To advance mission readiness of U.S. military members affected by cancer.

Peer Reviewed Cancer  Research Program Cover Image
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Since Fiscal Year 2009, the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) has been charged by U.S. Congress to fund innovative basic, applied, and translational cancer research to support Service members, their families, and the American public. Members of the military are exposed to hazardous environments due to the nature of their service and deployments and, thus, are at risk for the development of many types of cancers. The mission of the PRCRP is to successfully promote high-impact research for cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. To accomplish this task, the PRCRP seeks to fund different areas of the research landscape. Funding innovative and translational research the PRCRP offers funding opportunities directed toward the special focus of Service members and potential cancer risks; focusing on the gaps in cancer research with respect to unique situations and military environments. Additionally, the PRCRP addresses growing and developing the future in research through targeted funding opportunities for early career investigators. With a funding program focused on military health and welfare in cancer research, the PRCRP strives to improve the quality of life by decreasing the impact of cancer on Service members, their families and the American public by funding highly relevant and innovative research.


Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program Overarching Challenges

The PRCRP has developed a strategy to address multiple issues in cancer research over the spectrum of different cancer topics considered for funding. These Overarching Challenges are critical gaps in cancer research, care, and/or patient outcomes that will advance mission readiness of U.S. military members affected by cancer and improve quality of life by decreasing the burden of cancer on Service Members, their families, Veterans, and the American public.

  • Prevention
    • Investigate primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention interventions/strategies to decrease cancer burden.
    • Determine the risk factors, etiology, or mechanisms underlying cancer development to improve prevention interventions.
  • Diagnostics/Prognostics
    • Identify approaches to predict treatment resistance, recurrence, and the development of advanced disease.
    • Distinguish unique features driving cancer occurrence across the spectrum of ages.
    • Develop and improve minimally invasive methods for neoplasia detection, initiation, progression, and recurrence.
  • Therapeutics
    • Transform cancer treatment, especially for advanced, recurrent, and metastatic disease.
    • Improve current therapies including systemic and local treatments.
    • Evaluate disease progression and/or treatment response over time.
    • Leverage the mechanisms of cancer development to improve treatment methods for all communities.
  • Patient Well-Being and Survivorship
    • Study methods to address survivorship issues, including quality of life, wellness, mental health, psychological impact of recurrence, reproductive/sexual health, and/or disability.
    • Reduce short- and long-term treatment toxicities, including neurocognitive and physical effects.
    • Investigate ways to bridge gaps between treatment and survivorship, including alternative medicine, nutrition and lifestyle factors, and supportive care.
    • Understand and address the immediate and enduring burdens on caregivers, families, and communities.
  • Disparity
    • Improve prevention strategies, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for patients in underserved or under recognized populations.
    • Study methods to improve accessibility to care and address survivorship.
    • Advance health equity and reduce disparities in cancer care, including telehealth.
    • Develop strategies to understand barriers to and improve communication amongst provider, patient, and care network.

Environmental Exposures and Risk Factors for Cancer (319kb)

Congressional Appropriations

Congressional Appropriations

Funding Summary

Funding
Summary


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Vision

To advance mission readiness of U.S. military members affected by cancer.

Mission

To successfully promote high-impact research in cancer prevention, detection, treatment, quality of life, and survivorship for Service Members, their families, Veterans, and the American public.




Last updated Friday, March 15, 2024