CDMRP Melanoma Research Program: Idea Award

The goal of the Melanoma Research Program (MRP) is to prevent melanoma initiation and progression. 

• Research across the entire spectrum (biology, etiology, prevention, diagnosis and detection, prognosis, treatment, and quality of life) for rare melanomas (e.g., uveal, acral, mucosal, pediatric) in patients and model organisms.
• Identify and understand risk factor determinants for melanoma, including rare subtypes.
• Develop prediction and surveillance tools for distinguishing patient populations at risk for second primary/recurrence and/or metastasis.
• Understand how precursor lesions and environmental/endogenous factors influence melanomagenesis, including (but not limited to) race, sex as a biological variable, etc.
• Develop new tools for the detection and diagnosis of melanoma.
• Identify how the tumor microenvironment (e.g., stromal, immune, microbiome) impacts tumor initiation, response to therapy, progression, recurrence, and/or dormancy.
• Delineate the molecular pathways 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 thirteen (13) awards will be granted. 

Funding: $500,000 total 

Duration: 3 years 

Research Authority due date: 30.6.22

Pre application (required) due date: 8.7.22

Full proposal due date: 5.10.22