The goal of the Melanoma Research Program (MRP) is to prevent melanoma initiation and progression.
FY21 MRP Idea Award must address at least one of the following Focus Areas.
- Identify methods to decrease risk of melanoma development beyond sunscreen and protective clothing.
- Identify and understand risk factor determinants for melanoma, including variants (e.g., uveal, acral, mucosal melanoma).
- Identify how the tumor microenvironment (e.g., stromal, immune, microbiome) impact tumor initiation, response to therapy, progression, and dormancy.
- Understand how precursor lesions and endogenous host factors may lead to melanomagenesis.
- Develop new decision-making tools for the detection and diagnosis of melanoma that includes easily accessible technology (beyond the dermoscope) for primary care physicians and dermatologists.
- Develop prediction and surveillance tools for distinguishing patient at risk for recurrence and/or metastasis. Identify biological determinants to differentiate patient populations.
- Understand mechanisms that underlie metastatic spread to different (regional/nodal) sites or the different distant sites of metastasis from acral, mucosal, and uveal melanomas.
- Delineate the molecular pathways, tumor microenvironment, immune response that influence metastatic spread, recurrence, and/or dormancy.
The MRP strongly encourages the use of Department of Defense (DoD)/Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) databases and participation by DoD/VA investigators.
It is expected that ten (10) awards will be granted.
Funding: $500,000 total
Duration: 3 years
Research Authority due date: 22.6.21
Pre applicaton (required) due date: 29.6.21
Full proposal due date: 28.9.21
