research proposal for cancer

Sample Healthcare Delivery Research Grant Applications

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) frequently receives requests for examples of funded grant applications. Several investigators and their organizations agreed to let the Healthcare Delivery Research Program (HDRP) post excerpts of their healthcare delivery research grant applications online.

We are grateful to the investigators and their institutions for allowing us to provide this important resource to the community. We include a copy of the SF 424 R&R Face Page, Project Summary/Abstract (Description), Project Narrative, Specific Aims, and Research Strategy; we do not include other SF 424 (R&R) forms or requisite information found in the full grant application (e.g., performance sites, key personnel, biographical sketches). To maintain confidentiality, we have redacted some information from these documents (e.g., budgets, social security numbers, home addresses, introduction to revised application).

Sample Applications

R01: personalized screening for lung cancer: the importance of co-existing chronic conditions to clinical practice and policy, principal investigator.

Dejana Braithwaite

Grant Mechanism & Award Number

R01CA249506-01

R01: Predicting and Addressing Colonoscopy Non-adherence in Community Settings

Gloria Coronado

R01CA218923-01A1

R01: Using MOST to EMPOWER: Optimizing an Emotional Regulation Intervention to Enhance Well-being Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

Principal investigators.

John Salsman

R01CA242849-01

R01: Improving Informal Caregivers' and Cancer Survivors' Psychological Distress, Symptom Management and Health Care Use

Terry Badger

R01CA224282-01A1

R03: Statewide Assessment of HPV Vaccination Among Childhood Cancer Survivors

Anne Kirchhoff

1R03CA216174-01A1

R03: Multi-center Evaluation of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis with Synthesized Two-dimensional Mammography for Breast Cancer Screening

Brian Sprague

R03CA223725-01

R21: Improving Transition Readiness in Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Survivors of Childhood Cancer

Katie Devine

R21CA222936-01A1

R50: Natural History of Lung Cancer Diagnosed Within and Across Diverse Health Systems Implementing Lung Cancer Screening

Nikki Carroll

R50CA251966-01

Additional Details

Copyright information.

The text of the grant applications is copyrighted. Investigators and others may use the text from these applications only for nonprofit educational purposes provided that the content remains unchanged and that the Principal Investigator(s), their organization(s), and NCI are credited.

Accessibility

Individuals using assistive technology (e.g., screen reader, Braille reader, etc.) who experience difficulty accessing any information should send an email to the HDRP team ( [email protected] ).

Other Sample Grants

See examples of successfully funded grant applications.

Currently Open Notice of Funding Opportunities Relevant to HDRP

See the currently open notice of funding opportunities (NOFOs) sponsored or co-sponsored by HDRP; other NOFOs relevant to HDRP; and NIH and NCI Parent and Omnibus NOFOs for investigator-initiated research.

Mastering The Art of Writing A Cancer Biology Research Proposal  

Mastering The Art of Writing A Cancer Biology Research Proposal  

research proposal for cancer

Comparison Of Cross Sectional, Prospective Cohort Study, Retrospective, & Case Control Study – A Quick Reference Table For The Authors & Researchers”

research proposal for cancer

Designing A Prospective Cohort Study For Cardiovascular Intervention

Introduction.

In the event that you are keen and desirous execute a cancer biology research for your PhD , then in that case, it becomes necessary that you create a cancer biology research proposal. You will need to submit this proposal and get it approved before you can proceed further. Apart from the fact that obtaining an approval is mandatory, a research proposal would essentially lay down the groundwork for the research that you intend to undertake. The research proposal would be the initial step in the direction of your PhD. However, it should also be known that cancer biology research is not something that anyone can just decide to conduct without undertaking appropriate planning. This signifies the need for a research proposal on the topic. The research proposal pertaining to your topic would lay down and map everything that you are supposed to execute at the time when you execute the actual research. An excellent cancer biology research proposal would necessarily meet the below mentioned general requirements.

  • Establish the research setting and indicate why there is a need for the research.
  • With regards to this initial requirement, you need to also emphasize how your research would meet this need, and the manner in which it will do so.

However, in-spite of having established the research setting and understanding the need for this research, there is still a possibility for students to stray away from their goals and end up faraway from where they actually want to be. In order to avoid the common pitfalls usually associated with an intricate cancer biology research proposal, it would be helpful if students are aware of the secrets that help them to structure their research proposal.

research proposal for cancer

Five Secrets to Write an Effective Cancer Biology Research Proposal

While there are no shortcuts to a good research and there is no surefire way to create an excellent research proposal however, we can give some pointers which will help you to create an impactful proposal. Here we outline five secrets which will help you during the process of writing the proposal.

  • Commencing Early: Time is a major factor within the process of writing a research proposal. Effective management of time could play a vital role when you actually start writing a cancer biology research proposal . Every aspect needs to be planned and allocated a time frame. Also you have to factor in time taking procedures over which you have no control. For instance, acquiring feedback or discussing some aspect of your research with your guide, this can be time-consuming.
  • Reading Sample Papers: Check your university library or online electronic databases to find samples of cancer biology PhD thesis. However, an aspect which is of utmost significance is that you can only consult such papers to acquire an understanding of how it is done. At no time should you resort to plagiarizing contents from the sample thesis.

research proposal for cancer

  • Find Literature: Literature review not only plays a significant role while writing the PhD thesis but , it is also important when you are writing the research proposal. Therefore, when you commence the process of writing the cancer biology research proposal, make sure that you accord due importance to the literature review. If you are able to find ample background literature pertaining to your topic of interest (cancer biology) then, you can certainly think about going ahead with writing the proposal.

research proposal for cancer

  • Give thought to Available Resources: At the time when you commence writing your proposal, you have to first inventorize your resources. Resources would include; the libraries (online and offline) that you would be having access to, access to research facilities for facilitating the research etc. It would be wise here to stray away from cancer biology topics for which you lack resources.

research proposal for cancer

Seeking Professional Assistance: One thing you need to understand is that it is not at all easy to write a cancer biology research proposal, therefore you should not shy away from seeking professional assistance as and when the need arises. You can certainly avail assistance from your professors, but in case that you are facing too many challenges or are confused about the whole process, you can always seek professional assistance.

Essential Ingredients of the Proposal

As a student, you should take much care to ensure that your research proposal in cancer biology is created meticulously if you intend to get your proposal approved and proceed further with your PhD thesis eventually. Your actual PhD research on cancer biology largely relies on the provision of a research proposal that clearly convinces a panel of experts with regards to the significance of the research to the domain. At the same time, the proposal would also clearly project that you are in a position to justify the research and execute it as per the necessary standards. In order to realize this, you should make sure that you cover the below mentioned points within your proposal on cancer biology .

  • Exemplify the problem that you are attempting resolve through your research and emphasize its significance in your domain within your introduction.
  • Offer a crystal clear hypothesis or research question to your reader. This will dispel any doubts as to what your research intends to achieve.
  • Provide an extensive review of existing literature to indicate that you have a thorough command on the research that has already been executed in your domain. This will also indicate that the research you plan to undertake is novel and has not been done in the past.
  • Ensure that you clearly indicate your choice of research methodology and also justify why you have chosen the said methodology. This will provide a clear picture to the reader, emphasizing that you have chosen the appropriate methodology that will result in success while pursuing your research.
  • Present a clear, realistic timeline and the resources that you would require to complete the research. This will indicate the timeframe that will be taken to complete each part of the research and assuring the reader that it can be achieved.

Common Pitfalls

Creating or writing a cancer biology research proposal can be quite challenging and often students tend to commit mistakes. Such mistakes cause aspersions on the research. There are several common pitfalls which you need to avoid at all costs.

  • Methodology: Generally, a person desirous of conducting a cancer biology research would tend to choose a topic without taking into account the methods of research. At the time of selecting the topic, it is imperative to deliberate about the research methodology with your guide.
  • Sequence of Work: Do not ever directly jump into writing your cancer biology research proposal. Instead, plan your proposal, create an outline and then commence the writing work.
  • Originality: Conduct extensive literature review in your domain to understand the current gaps in cancer biology. Frame your topic such that it addresses the gap in research. The common trend is that students tend to mildly alter existing research topics and change one or two variables. This could be challenging for your research as there is no originality. Choose a unique and previously not researched topic.

pubrica-academy

pubrica-academy

Related posts.

Making Sense of Effect Size in Meta-Analysis based for Medical Research

Making Sense of Effect Size in Meta-Analysis based for Medical Research

The Role of Packaging Design In Drug Development

The Role of Packaging Design In Drug Development

Selecting materials for medical device industry

Selecting materials for medical device industry

Comments are closed.

National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control & Population Sciences

  • Sample Grant Applications
  • Funding Opportunities

The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) frequently receives requests from investigators for examples of successfully funded grant applications. Several investigators and their organizations agreed to let DCCPS post excerpts of their awarded applications online. Below are links to examples in specific cancer control research areas.

Note: These sample grants predate some recent grants policy changes, including  NIH’s Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy  (effective January 25, 2023). Please refer to the  NIH Grants Policy  and  NCI Grants Policy  to ensure your application is in full compliance.

  • Sample Behavioral Research Grant Applications
  • Sample Cancer Epidemiology Research Grant Applications
  • Sample Healthcare Delivery Research Grant Applications
  • Sample Implementation Science Grant Applications
  • Behavioral Research
  • Epidemiology & Genomics
  • Healthcare Delivery Research
  • Health Disparities & Health Equity
  • Implementation Science
  • Surveillance
  • Survivorship
  • Currently Funded Grants
  • Maps of Awarded Grants
  • Research Initiatives
  • Funding History & Trends
  • DCCPS Cancer Moonshot Funding
  • Funding Announcements
  • Training & Career Development
  • How to Apply
  • Grant Policies
  • For New Grantees
  • Cancer Control Publications (CC Pubs)
  • Observational Data Collection
  • Tracking the Cancer Burden
  • Reports about DCCPS
  • Epidemiology Resources
  • Health Services and Quality of Care
  • Health Surveys
  • Monitoring Cancer Control
  • Publications from DCCPS-Funded Initiatives
  • Publications from DCCPS-Funded Datasets
  • Research Tools and Measures
  • SEER Statistics
  • Video Archive
  • Infographic Archive
  • Health Disparities Research Contacts in DCCPS
  • Cancer Control in NCI-Designated Cancer Centers
  • Optimizing the Management and Outcomes for Cancer Survivors Transitioning to Follow-up Care
  • Prevention and Early Detection for Hereditary Cancer Syndromes
  • Future Directions
  • Ending Cancer as We Know It
  • Cancer Control Continuum
  • Cancer Control: A Legislative Summary
  • National Cancer Act of 1971
  • Key Collaborations
  • How We Support Principal Investigators
  • Brenda K. Edwards
  • Shobha Srinivasan
  • William Klein
  • Meet the Director
  • Mission, Vision, and Values
  • Meet the DCCPS Staff
  • Overview & History
  • Cancer Control Framework
  • Office of the Director Staff
  • Fellowship Opportunities
  • Career and Training Opportunities
  • Connect with DCCPS
  • DCCPS-Supported Events
  • DCCPS Webinars

Stanford Cancer Institute

Search stanford cancer institute.

Seed grant

Funding Opportunities

Internal and external sources of support for cancer research, training and career development

Internal Funding

American cancer society institutional research grants.

The mission of the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant is to attract and increase the number of junior faculty members, including highly qualified physicians, physician-scientists, and population-based or basic/translational scientists who are dedicated to cancer research and to maximize their potential to be leaders in academic medicine.

SCI Fellowship Awards

The Stanford Cancer Institute seeks to increase the number of clinical, laboratory, and population researchers, who are carrying out cancer research with applicability to the basic biology, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of cancer, or to the quality of life of cancer patients. This critical source of funding enables trainees to achieve faculty positions and obtain career development awards.  

External Funding Limited Submission

Requires internal review and selection

Deadline: September 5, 2024

External Funding

Does not require internal review and selection

Deadline: August 31, 2024

Deadline: September 12, 2024

Deadline: October 1, 2024

Deadline: November 15, 2024

Submissions accepted monthly

Multiple dates

Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities

  • Letter of Intent  (PDF)
  • Biosketch  (DOC)
  • Biosketch sample  (DOC)
  • Innovation Award Budget Template  (XLS)
  • Innovation Award Application Format  (DOC)
  • Innovation Award Catchment Area – Community Engagement  (PDF)
  • No Cost Extension Request (NCX)  (PDF)
  • Proposal Routing Form  (XLS)
  • Cite The Grant - NIH Required Language
  • Proposal Tools & Templates

Grant Bridge is a tool developed by Emerson Collective which checks eligibility for investigators to add NIH administrative supplements that promote diversity in health-related research onto research project grants, such as the R01. 

RMG Cancer Related Funding Opportunities

Visit RMG for full listing of all cancer opportunities

Stanford Cancer Institute Funding Awards

research proposal for cancer

SCI Innovation Award

research proposal for cancer

Shmunis Family Innovation Awards in Cancer Therapeutics

research proposal for cancer

Community Partnership Seed Grants

research proposal for cancer

SCI Equity Impact Research Grants

research proposal for cancer

SCI-JEDI Pilot Seed Grant

Stanford Medicine

  • Patient Care
  • Clinical Trials
  • Health Equity
  • Shared Resources

Stanford Medicine

Health care.

NCI - Comprehensive Cancer Center

©2024 Stanford Medicine

Together we are beating cancer

About cancer

Cancer types

  • Breast cancer
  • Bowel cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Prostate cancer

Cancers in general

  • Clinical trials

Causes of cancer

Coping with cancer

  • Managing symptoms and side effects
  • Mental health and cancer
  • Money and travel
  • Death and dying
  • Cancer Chat forum

Health Professionals

  • Cancer Statistics
  • Cancer Screening
  • Learning and Support
  • NICE suspected cancer referral guidelines

Get involved

  • Make a donation

By cancer type

  • Leave a legacy gift
  • Donate in Memory

Find an event

  • Race for Life
  • Charity runs
  • Charity walks
  • Search events
  • Relay For Life
  • Volunteer in our shops
  • Help at an event
  • Help us raise money
  • Campaign for us

Do your own fundraising

  • Fundraising ideas
  • Get a fundraising pack
  • Return fundraising money
  • Fundraise by cancer type
  • Set up a Cancer Research UK Giving Page
  • Find a shop or superstore
  • Become a partner
  • Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People
  • Our We Are campaign

Our research

  • Brain tumours
  • Skin cancer
  • All cancer types

By cancer topic

  • New treatments
  • Cancer biology
  • Cancer drugs
  • All cancer subjects
  • All locations

By Researcher

  • Professor Duncan Baird
  • Professor Fran Balkwill
  • Professor Andrew Biankin
  • See all researchers
  • Our achievements timeline
  • Our research strategy
  • Involving animals in research

Funding for researchers

Research opportunities

  • For discovery researchers
  • For clinical researchers
  • For population researchers
  • In drug discovery & development
  • In early detection & diagnosis
  • For students & postdocs

Our funding schemes

  • Career Development Fellowship
  • Discovery Programme Awards
  • Clinical Trial Award
  • Biology to Prevention Award
  • View all schemes and deadlines

Applying for funding

  • Start your application online

How to make a successful application

  • Funding committees
  • Successful applicant case studies

How we deliver research

  • Our research infrastructure
  • Events and conferences
  • Our research partnerships
  • Facts & figures about our funding
  • Develop your research career

Recently funded awards

  • Manage your research grant
  • Notify us of new publications

Find a shop

  • Volunteer in a shop
  • Donate goods to a shop
  • Our superstores

Shop online

  • Wedding favours
  • Cancer Care
  • Flower Shop

Our eBay store

  • Shoes and boots
  • Bags and purses
  • We beat cancer
  • We fundraise
  • We develop policy
  • Our global role

Our organisation

  • Our strategy
  • Our Trustees
  • CEO and Executive Board
  • How we spend your money
  • Early careers

Cancer news

  • Cancer News
  • For Researchers
  • For Supporters
  • Press office
  • Publications
  • Update your contact preferences

ABOUT CANCER

GET INVOLVED

NEWS & RESOURCES

FUNDING & RESEARCH

You are here

research proposal for cancer

We fund research that makes a clear link with our research priorities and look for the best researchers in their field.

Below is some simple advice from our research funding team that will help you make a great application. Each funding scheme has its own application guidelines so it's vital that you read these too before submitting an application. If you have any questions about these specific guidelines then you should get in touch with the person who manages that scheme. If you'd like to know more, you can also  read advice from our current grantees .

What you will be judged on

  • Relevance to our research priorities - read our Research Strategy and clearly state how your research relates to cancer research. Make sure you read the eligibility information for your chosen scheme.
  • The originality of your ideas and proposal - make sure your research is answering an important and valid research question.
  • Your knowledge of relevant literature and developments in your area.
  • The quality of your experimental design – think about feasibility and identify what could go wrong. Show preliminary data if relevant.
  • Value for money – your funding panel will want to know that the money we invest will be spent well. Make sure you leave enough time to budget accurately and that your costs are realistic. You should also justify all your costs.
  • Your research team – make sure the people you choose have the right expertise. Check if there are other areas they can help with outside of the obvious scientific requirements of the project. For example, do they have a background in public policy that will help you share your findings?
  • You – it’s important the funding panel trust their investment in you. Identify your unique strengths and draw on your previous successes.

Remember, it helps to know your audience. Find out who sits on the funding committee relevant to your scheme and what they’re interested in. They may even be a member of your current institution and you’ll be able to speak to them directly. Take a look at our funding committee pages.

Advice from our decision makers (funding committees)

1. show clearly how the application builds on existing knowledge.

Your research must be based on solid principles.

2. Spend time on the abstract

  • Include all aspects of the study so the reviewers can immediately see everything you plan to do.
  • Make sure it’s clear, concise, and thorough.

3. Make every step of the methods 100% clear

  • Including the procedure, sample size, why you have chosen that sample and how you will collect and analyse the data.
  • Make sure you clearly show how your objectives or research questions will be addressed.

4. Tell a coherent, easily understood story

  • Why you are doing the study.
  • What you plan to do.
  • How you will go about this.
  • When you plan to do it and timings.
  • What the impact will be.
  • Who your team are.
  • How you will resource the work.

5. Remember that simple ideas appeal

If your plan includes too many studies with too many components the research questions can become lost.

6. Take time on the analysis section

Some grant applications fail through imprecise descriptions of analysis of the data. Make sure you demonstrate your understanding of data, whether it’s statistical or qualitative.

Filling in the online form

  • Work with the grants/research office at your host institution – they can offer support and advice, particularly around costing your research proposal.
  • Gather relevant additional information, such as ethical/regulatory approval, equipment quotes, letters of support, commercial interactions and other awards. 
  • Contact the grants helpline if you have questions about our online grants management system: [email protected] .

Contact the grants team

[email protected]

Find funding

Find a funding opportunity that suits your career and research area.

Search all funding

Recently funded awards by Cancer Research UK

Find out more

Help elsewhere

NIHR Research Design Service

Health and Care Research Wales: Research Design and Conduct Service

MRC Guidance for complex interventions

Positive Health Online

Your Country

  • Back Issues
  • Book Reviews

Research Proposal: Cancer Patients’ Survival: Comparing Integrated Alternative Therapies and Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy Treatment

by Sandra Goodman PhD (more info)

listed in cancer , originally published in issue 217 - October 2014

Background, Introduction and Abstract

I recently re-discovered on my hard drive the Consensus Statement document published in 1994 of which I was the lead author - Nutrition and Life-Style Guidelines for People with Cancer . I am most impressed at how prescient it was 20 years ago regarding providing more options for cancer patients, and also disappointed in how little cancer treatment has progressed in directions providing patients with more options that merely chemotherapy and radiation therapy as adjunctive treatments. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/ref/10.3109/13590849409034555 www.positivehealth.com/article/cancer/nutrition-and-life-style-guidelines-for-people-with-cancer

Some 20+years on from the publication of that Consensus document, there has been a myriad of Research, Clinical papers and books published regarding many aspects of cancer treatment. These have demonstrated molecular sequelae resulting from toxic conventional cancer treatments, i.e. chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which may be causative factors in the development of multi-drug resistance, cancer stem cells and other gene mutations and which may influence temporary cancer regression and then future recurrence and metastases. Furthermore it has been suggested by a strand of practitioners who utilize integrated alternative protocols that the body has difficulty recovering from the toxicity of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and may not be responsive to more biological cancer treatments.  Additionally, perhaps >50% of cancer patients utilize some form of alternative treatments, and such data are not included in standard cancer registries. I have therefore been persuaded of the need to attempt to establish and compare cancer patient survival without toxic chemotherapy / radiotherapy treatments but with a robust integrated / alternative protocol and attach a brief proposal as a starting point for this research. Given the legal constraints in the UK and USA prohibiting alternative treatments for cancer patients, it is difficult to see how this much-needed research project can progress, as it would require a professional team with technical, medical and ethical experience,  access to cancer patients and the construction of a multi-disciplinary, multi-field database. Initially results would merely compare survival of matched cancer patients who have or have not undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy with those who have undergone an integrated multi-component alternative protocol. This is a fairly long-term project which would need to be followed up for 5-10 years. Research Proposal for Discussion: Cancer Patients’ Outcomes: Comparing Integrated Alternative Therapies and Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy Treatment

Standard cancer treatments - surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy - are the only ones currently sanctioned by law for use by physicians and oncologists.[1,2] Hence, epidemiological research and statistics regarding cancer incidence, clinical efficacy, survival / mortality which have been amassed, consolidated and publicly disseminated usually pertain to only these treatments.[3,4] And, despite the development of numerous innovative clinical alternative and complementary cancer treatments internationally over the past 120 years, many of these have been suppressed.[5]

The toxic, sometimes fatal side effects and lack of efficacy regarding long-term survival outcomes for many chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments are published and well-known in the medical and research literature. Clinically, between 10%-25% of cancer patients may die as a result of undergoing these highly toxic treatments.[6-10] which may be factors in multi-drug resistance, cancer stem cell formation, mutated p53 and other cancer gene mutations which may explain short term remission, subsequent recurrence, metastases and secondary cancers years later following conventional cancer treatment.[11] A well-known questionnaire of McGill University oncologists in the early 1990s reported by Ralph Moss established that >80% would refuse chemotherapy with cisplatin for themselves or families.[12]

Integrated Oncology Protocols - Alternative and Complementary approaches to cancer treatments have burgeoned, encompassing many regimes - diet, exercise, nutritional supplementation, infusions / injections, orthomolecular, herbal, homeopathic, Ayurvedic, Chinese and energy medicine, mind-body - visualization, mindfulness meditation - to name but a few.[13-23] A limited body of research has started to document their clinical efficacy effects in cancer patients; however in many instances these treatments have been carried out in addition to conventional cancer treatments.

A strand of researchers and clinicians have suggested that cancer patients may never fully recover from the toxic effects exerted from chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments and that biological treatment approaches may not be effective once they have undergone these treatments.[24-26] And, given the significant proportion of cancer patients who also use complementary / alternative cancer therapies,[27-28] it becomes even more important to establish the efficacy of alternative and complementary treatments in cancer patients, who have and have not been subjected to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Data comparing cancer survival in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy with those who forgo these treatments has been difficult to uncover, due to legal constraints and overwhelming dominance of the conventional treatment establishment. It is proposed to research and compile data with a view to assessing and comparing outcomes for cancer patients being treated with Integrated Oncology - alternative and complementary treatments - who have and have not undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments. Data comparing patient survival with and without adjunctive therapy could be extracted from cancer registry databases. Data regarding survival with Integrated Alternative Therapies would require multi-factorial clinical database creation either from clinicians or patients once this treatment is no longer deemed illegal.

© Sandra Goodman PhD 2014

1. UK 1939 Cancer Act

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/2-3/13/contents

www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/2-3/13/section/4

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancer_Act_1939

2. The Stranglehold that the UK 1939 Cancer Act Exerts in Great Britain. The Cambridge Institute of Complementary Health. http://cichealth.org.uk/#/1939-cancer-act/4567446788

Goodman S. Integration of Alternative Cancer Treatments. Positive Health PH Online Issue 208. Aug 2013. www.positivehealth.com/article/editorial/editorial-issue-208

3. Dr Tim O’Shea. To the Cancer Patient: Natural Cures vs. Traditional. TheDoctorWithin.com. www.thedoctorwithin.com/cancer/to-the-cancer-patient/ .  2014.

4. Cancer Research UK

www.cancerresearchuk.org/cancer-info/cancerstats/mortality/uk-cancer-mortality-statistics

American Cancer Society

www.cancer.org/research/cancerfactsstatistics/

National Cancer Institute

www.cancer.gov/statistics/glossary/mortality

5. Houston RG. 1987. Repression and Reform in the Evaluation of Alternative Cancer Therapies. 1987.

6. Br J Cancer. Dec 18, 2006; 95(12): 1632–1636.

Published online Dec 12, 2006. doi:  10.1038/sj.bjc.6603498

PMCID: PMC2360753

M E R O'Brien , 1,* A Borthwick , 1 A Rigg , 1 A Leary , 1 L Assersohn , 1 K Last , 1 S Tan , 1 S Milan , 1 D Tait , 1 and I E Smith 1 Mortality within 30 days of chemotherapy: a clinical governance benchmarking issue for oncology patients

7. Ohe Y. Treatment-related death from chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy for advanced cancer.  Panminerva Med. ;44(3): 205-12. Sept 2002. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12094134

8. DEATH By Chemotherapy. Life Extension Magazine. January 1998

www.lef.org/magazine/mag98/jan-feature98.htm

9. Steven Ransom. Fraught With Risks and Side-Effects. June 09, 2013. www.cancertutor.com/category/chemotherapy/  

10. PharmaTimes Online

Chemotherapy causes death in more than 25% of cancer patients

UK News / World News | November 13, 2008

Katrina Megget

Read more at: www.pharmatimes.com/Article/08-11-13/Chemotherapy_causes_death_in_more_than_25_of_cancer_patients.aspx#ixzz33DzAOLIW

11. Dr Peter Kay. Cancer Diagnostic Tests and Treatments: Advantages and Limitations to Existing Conventional Treatments; Introduction to Alternative Approaches

Positive Health PH Online Issue 213 - April 2014.

www.positivehealth.com/article/cancer/cancer-diagnostic-tests-and-treatments-advantages-and-limitations-to-existing-conventional-treatment

12. Ralph Moss. Questioning Chemotherapy. Equinox Press. ISBN 978-1881025252. 1996.

www.amazon.com/Questioning-Chemotherapy-Ralph-W-Moss/dp/188102525X

Ralph Moss. The Cancer Industry. Equinox Press. ISBN 978-1881025092. 1996.

www.amazon.co.uk/The-Cancer-Industry-Classic-Establishment/dp/1881025098

www.amazon.com/The-Cancer-Industry-Ralph-Moss/dp/1881025098

13. Dwight McKee MD. Integrative Cancer Medicine: An Oncologist Takes a Practical Look at Facts, Fiction and the Future. Cancer Strategies Journal: 1(1): 2-8. www.cancerstrategiesjournal.com/McKeeMDReprint.pdf . Winter 2013.

14. Moshe Frenkel, MD. Integrative Oncology Exceptional Patients -  Thoughts and Reflections. Cancer Strategies Journal

Volume 1, Issue 2. Spring 2013. www.cancerstrategiesjournal.com/FrenkelMDReprint.pdf

15. Ronald Peters MD. The Connection Between Spontaneous Remission of Cancer and MindBody Medicine. Cancer Strategies Journal. 1-8. Summer 2013.

http://healmindbody.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Peters-article-Cancer-Strategies.pdf  

16. Mitchell Gaynor, MD, et. al. Complete Remission of Widely Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report. Cancer Strategies Journal. 2(2): 1-4. Spring 2014. http://gaynoroncology.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/GaynorReprintCSJSpring2014.pdf

17. DM Seely, LC Weeks PhD, and S. Young, MA. A systematic review of integrative oncology programs. Curr Oncol. 19(6): e436–e461. doi:  10.3747/co.19.1182. PMCID: PMC3503675. Dec 2012. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3503675/  

18. Shneerson C, Taskila T, Gale N, Greenfield S and Chen Y. The effect of complementary and alternative medicine on the quality of life of cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analyses. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 21(4): 417-429.  August 2013.

www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299%2813%2900088-5/abstract

www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299(13)00088-5/references

19. Dr Maurice Orange. Mistletoe Therapy and Hyperthermia for Cancer: Turning Up the Heat. Positive Health PH Online Issue 209 - October 2013.

www.positivehealth.com/article/cancer/mistletoe-therapy-and-hyperthermia-for-cancer-turning-up-the-heat

20. Katharina Gaertner, Michael Müllner, Helmut Friehs, Ernst Schuster, Christine Marosi, Ilse Muchitsch, Michael Frass and Alan David Kaye. Additive Homeopathy in cancer patients: Retrospective survival data from a homeopathic outpatient unit at the Medical University of Vienna. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 22: 320-332. 2014. www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299%2813%2900212-4/references

www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299%2813%2900212-4/abstract

21. Dr Tasos Vartholomeos. Cancer Control through Pathology-Based Homeopathic Medicine.

Positive Health PH Online Issue 214 - May 2014.

www.positivehealth.com/article/cancer/cancer-control-through-pathology-based-homeopathic-medicine

22. Yingchun Zeng, Taizhen Luo, Huaan Xie, Meiling Huang, Andy SK Cheng. Health Benefits of Qigong or Tai Chi for Cancer Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 22: 173-186. 2014. www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299%2813%2900195-7/fulltext

www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299%2813%2900195-7/abstract

www.complementarytherapiesinmedicine.com/article/S0965-2299%2813%2900195-7/references

23. Goodman S, MacLaren J and Barker W. Nutrition and Life-style Guidelines for People with Cancer. Journal of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine. Vol 4 No. 2: Pages 199-214. 1994. http://informahealthcare.com/doi/ref/10.3109/13590849409034555

24. Chemotherapy Heals Cancer and the Earth is Flat

by Lothar Hirneise

Published by Nexus. 2005. Hardcover.  £34.90. ISBN-10: 3981050207; ISBN-13: 978-3981050202

www.positivehealth.com/review/chemotherapy-heals-cancer-and-the-earth-is-flat

25. Shattering the Cancer Myth - Positive and Practical Tools to Heal Your Life

by Katrina Ellis

Published by Publicious Self-Publishing. Softback. £18.80. 2013 4th edition. ISBN 0987466941.

www.positivehealth.com/review/shattering-the-cancer-myth-a-positive-guide-to-beating-cancer-4th-edition

26. Medicine Hands, Massage Therapy for People with Cancer

by Gayle MacDonald

Published by Findhorn Press. April 2014. £29.99 / $25.27. ISBN: 978-1-84409-639-8.

www.amazon.co.uk/Medicine-Hands-Massage-Therapy-People/dp/1844096394/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1398362414&sr=1-1&keywords=Medicine+Hands+3rd+edition

27. Molassiotis A et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in cancer patients: a European survey. Ann Oncol 16:655-63. 2005.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15699021

www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586874_6

  www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586874_6

www.medscape.com/viewarticle/586874_7

28. The prevalence of complementary/Alternative medicine in cancer

A systematic review

Edzard Ernst M.D., Ph.D., Barrie R. Cassileth, Ph.D.*

Article first published online: 9 NOV 2000

DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-0142(19980815)83:4<777::AID-CNCR22>3.0.CO;2-O

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/%28SICI%291097-0142%2819980815%2983:4%3C777::AID-CNCR22%3E3.0.CO;2-O/full

Dr.Peter H Kay said..

Dr. Goodman, Thank you for initiating this very important project, the Goodman Project. As you mention and refer to, there is a huge volume of information relating to the pros and cons of anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. There are, however, many alternative treatments available that are not associated with the same dangers of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For those who suffer from cancer and would like to avoid the dangers of the forms of treatment that you have mentioned,there is a lack of information that can be used by cancer sufferers to help them to decide which form of alternative treatment may be of benefit to them. Congratulations Dr. Goodman, the Goodman Project has set the ball rolling to begin to respond to this lack of information. Much data collection is required. As a beginning, I would urge all sufferers of cancer who have accepted treatments other than chemotherapy and radiotherapy to contact Dr. Goodman and report their experiences.

Dr Ranjitsinh Solanki said..

Dr Goodman,Thanks from bottom of my hearts for important project.so many patient are survive and benefited with alternative/integrative approach. lack of proper platform and advocacy. Most of cytogenic drug which are in practice to day in conventional therapy rooted in botanical kingdom.In India due to vast traditional knowledge with biodiversity India could play major role. We have huge data of 'Evidence based cases' treated with Herbal therapy with encouraging outcome. Cancer is a cause of so many biological fector,it needs multilevel multi molecular approach to address this diseases.Technological advances can reveal Novel compound and activities in plant remedies could play great role.

Richard Eaton LL.B said..

Thank you, Dr Goodman, for initiating this vitally important and innovative project which has the potential of bringing much needed help, advice and treatment to so many cancer patients across the world. The Goodman Project also accords with the World Health Organisation Strategy 2014-2023 which, amongst other things, aims to: '...support Member States in...prioritising health services and systems, including traditional and complementary medicine products, practises and practitioners.' http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/traditional/trm_strategy14_23/en/ http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/92455/1/9789241506090_eng.pdf?ua=1 As indicated, the main difficulty to be overcome is how to compile and analyse the research data having regard to the time, expense and technical expertise and resources required. Could those professionals with 'technical, medical and ethical experience' please now come forward with constructive suggestions as to how the Goodman Project can be implemented, administered and funded. For cancer patients everywhere (existing and prospective) the success of this enormously welcome project cannot be too soon.

Dr Alyssa Burns-Hill said..

Thanks, Sandra for this work. Speaking as someone who decided against drugs and radiotherapy for breast cancer in 2001 I fully support you. It came down to a simple realisation for me. What does conventional medicine offer me? It's toxic, it's passive (I'm a patient) and it's focused on disease. What does the alternative approach offer me? It's non-toxic, I'm actively involved in the process and making choices that are right for me and it's focused on health and wellbeing. What did I want to be - WELL! It's not easy for people receiving a diagnosis of cancer and I am always very mindful of this, but unfortunately it's often just a mechanical pathway for conventional medicine and, for me, I was also worried about my treatment strategies in the UK being led by economic policies rather than what was actually the best for me! So much to think about. Wishing everyone everywhere - good health, from a positive perspective :-)

Sandra Goodman PhD said..

07-04-2015 Despite my pessimism regarding the feasibility of funding and carrying out the above research comparing cancer survival of patients receiving alternative vs conventional, i.e. chemotherapy treatment in the UK, I am delighted with several clinical developments taking place mainly in North America.

A recent announcement (27 March 2015) online and on Twitter https://twitter.com/Bastyr stated that a $3M Research Grant has been Awarded to Canada-US Researchers Investigating the Impact of Naturopathic Medicine on Late Stage Cancer Survival. This is the largest-ever North American observational study to assess integrative oncology for advanced cancer patients. www.positivehealth.com/article/letters-to-the-editor/letters-to-the-editor-issue-222

American and Canadian healthcare professionals, including those from Bastyr University, will work together to study the effectiveness of advanced integrative oncology (AIO) treatment for patients with late stage cancer. AIO treatment includes elements of conventional and naturopathic medicine. The funding was jointly announced today by the Bastyr University Research Institute and Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre (OICC), an arm of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM). The $3 million grant, provided by a private Canadian foundation that wishes to remain anonymous, will fund the Canadian/US Integrative Oncology Study (CUSIOS).

This is the largest-ever North American observational study to assess integrative oncology for people with late stage cancer. The goals of CUSIOS are to observe and measure the overall survival of a cohort of late stage cancer (III and IV) patients who receive AIO treatments and, to describe integrative therapies provided by naturopathic doctors across the cohort. A total of 400 people with advanced breast, colorectal, pancreatic and ovarian cancer will be studied in seven clinics across North America over three years. Each selected site provides comprehensive whole-person care in naturopathic oncology, applying advanced science-based treatment for people with late stage cancer. Integrative oncology aims to combine the best of conventional and whole-person naturopathic care seamlessly and safely to: improve survival, enhance quality of life, reduce side effects from conventional treatment and help prevent recurrence.

AIO therapies used by naturopathic doctors for late stage cancer are directed at multiple mechanisms to slow tumour progression, prevent metastatic spread and improve survival. The therapies are variable but may include intravenous vitamin C, intravenous artemisinin intravenous dichloroacetate, mistletoe, hyperthermia, nutritional protocols and the use of immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory natural health products. www.bastyr.edu/news/general-news-home-page/2015/03/3m-research-grant-awarded-canada-us-researchers-investigating

I have also discussed some of of these protocols in a review of the book You Can Beat Lung Cancer Using Alternative / Integrative Interventions by Carl O Helvie RN DrPH, as well as in the Editorial from Issue 219: www.positivehealth.com/review/you-can-beat-lung-cancer-using-alternative-integrative-interventions www.positivehealth.com/article/editorial/editorial-issue-219

“Dr Contreras describes in valuable clinical detail the IRT-C protocol employed at the Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico, including a fully referenced description of Oxidative Stress in lung cancer and how the IRT-C protocol employs several “novel adjuvant measures intended to boost production of hydrogen peroxide in the tumor.”

These include a ‘perfluorocarbon’ oxygen-carrier molecule known as ‘Perftec’, originally developed in Russia - ‘Perftoran’ which when infused intravenously, greatly enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, as well as on the day prior to ascorbate infusion, treatment with ozone autohemotherapy, which renders red blood cells more flexible, able to more readily surrender oxygen to tissues.

“Dr Contreras compared the survival rates at Oasis of Hope with conventional treatment for years 1 through 5 also documented graphically: “Comparing IRT-C with conventional therapy, 1-year survivals were 82% vs 20%; 2-year survivals 50% vs 6%; 3-year survivals 27% vs 3%; 4-year survivals 23% vs 2% and 5-year survivals 9% vs 1.6%. At the conclusion of their clinical study, results with IRT-C were nearly 6 times better than the results using conventional therapy.”

“Dr James Forsythe MD HMD describes his integrative treatment protocols at Cancer Screening and Treatment Center of Nevada and Century Wellness Clinic which include sugar-free diets, alkalinizing diets, bio-oxidative therapies, specific vitamin supplement therapies, herbal therapies, amino acid supplements, together with low-dose fractionated chemotherapy or insulin potentiating therapies and chemosensitivity testing.

Dr Forsythe has also conducted studies, the results of which have shown over a 30% continued overall survivorship, compared with 2.1% survival rate in conventional oncology.”

Carl Helvie noted that “July, 2014 marked 40-years since my diagnosis making me the longest living lung cancer survivor known.” www.positivehealth.com/review/you-can-beat-lung-cancer-using-alternative-integrative-interventions www.positivehealth.com/article/editorial/editorial-issue-219

In the UK the demise of the long-awaited Saatchi Innovation Bill was accomplished as the bill was 'killed' by the refusal of the Liberal Democrats to provide time to debate the Bill prior to the dissolution of Parliament. www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/saatchi-bill/11437789/Fury-as-Lib-Dems-kill-off-Saatchi-Bill.html?utm_source=Saatchi+Bill&utm_campaign=1780efe4e5-28th_Feb2_28_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_87c59b6bfe-1780efe4e5-338080097

The funding of superior quality research regarding the efficacy of alternative integrative oncology treatment for late-stage cancer patients, as well as clinical treatments by physicians internationally are milestones in documenting the efficacy or otherwise of less toxic / injurious treatments.

Christine Johnston said..

Great project Sandra and I hope you get funding and lots of support. This information is direly needed - it has been delayed for too long. Dr Peter Kay is right to ask for all cancer sufferers who have used complementary and/or alternative treatments to contact you with their experiences.

Christine Johnston, Therapist This is an important project and I hope you get the funding and support needed. I agree with Dr Peter Kay that all cancer patients who have used complementary and/or alternative treatments to contact Dr Goodman with their experiences.

Post Your Comments:

About  Sandra Goodman PhD

Sandra Goodman PhD, Co-founder and Editor of Positive Health , trained as a Molecular Biology scientist in Agricultural Biotechnology in Canada and the US, focusing upon health issues since the 1980s in the UK. Author of 4 books, including Nutrition and Cancer: State-of-the-Art , Vitamin C – The Master Nutrient , Germanium: The Health and Life Enhancer and numerous articles, Dr Goodman was the lead author of the Consensus Document Nutritional and LifeStyle Guidelines for People with Cancer and compiled the Cancer and Nutrition Database for the Bristol Cancer Help Centre in 1993. Dr Goodman is passionate about making available to all people, particularly those with cancer, clinical expertise in Nutrition and Complementary Therapies. Dr Goodman was recently featured as Doctor of the Fortnight in ThinkWellness360 .

Dr Goodman and long-term partner Mike Howell seek individuals with vision, resources, and organization to continue and expand the Positive Health PH Online legacy beyond the first 30 years, with facilities for training, to fund alternative cancer research, and promote holistic organizations internationally. Read about Dr Goodman and purchase  Nutrition and Cancer: State-of-the-Art .   She may be contacted privately for Research, Lectures and Editorial services via:  [email protected]      www.drsgoodman.com   [email protected]    and www.positivehealth.com

Flower essences online

Fine quality flower essences international ranges to help promote vitality and emotional well-being.

www.flowersense.co.uk

Water for Health

Specialist online health store focused on hydration, body pH balance and quality nutrition.

www.water-for-health.co.uk

nutrition and cancer

by Sandra Goodman PhD The latest scientific research regarding Nutrition and Cancer. Full details at

www.drsgoodman.com

Seaweed as Superfood

Comprehensive nutrient balance found in no other natural food but seaweed: colon health, weight loss

seagreens.shop

Super Patch Wellbeing

Super Patches – a most revolutionary advance in wellbeing strategies in the history of medicine

shop.superpatch.com

Beginner's Guide to ME

Essential reading for people/carers with ME/CFS serious debilitating illness. Counteracts bad advice

www.amazon.co.uk

Ultimate Body Detox

Immune system support & heavy metal detox - 3 powerful products: ACS 200, ACZ Nano & ACG Glutathione

www.resultsrna.co.uk

Liposomal Nutrients

Optimum system for nutrient delivery to cells - fully bioavailable vitamins absorbed and metabolised

abundanceandhealth.co.uk

mycology research MRL

MRL markets mushroom products food grade US & Netherlands GMP standards. Health Professional Videos

www.mycologyresearch.com

Image of a father holding his son on his shoulders both smiling

Online Help

Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear. 

message icon

Chat live online

Select the  Live Chat button at the bottom of the page 

phone handset icon

Call us at  1-800-227-2345

Available any time of day or night

Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:

  • Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
  • Donations, website, or event-related assistance
  • Tobacco-related topics
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Cancer Information

For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.

Our Research Programs

What does it take to outsmart cancer? Research.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) has helped make possible almost every major cancer breakthrough since 1946. Since then, we've   invested more than $5 billion in cancer research, making us the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, outside of the federal government.

We remain committed to finding more – and better – ways to improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Save the Date:  June 25-27, 2025  Cancer Research Prevention Conference in London

Investing in Research Pays Off

See how. Check out easy-to-understand summaries of recent studies. 

Bald Girl Hugging paper

Featured Research Studies 

Large size cover image for 2024 Cancer Facts and Figures for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Other Pacific Islander People

Cancer Facts & Figures for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, & Other Pacific Islander People

This inaugural report provides an overview of cancer occurrence, risk factors, and screening for disaggregated Asian American, Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander groups in the United States.

Cover image for 2024 Global Cancer Facts and Figures 5th Edition

Global Cancer Facts & Figures

According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2022, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million cancer deaths worldwide. See how cancer affects 185 countries across every continent. 

We're Finding Answers That Save Lives

Whether we're conducting research or funding it, our goal remains the same: to free the world from the pain and suffering of cancer.

covers of all 2021 cancer facts and figures publications with a narrow wooden background

All Cancer Facts & Figures Reports

Learn 2023 estimated new cancer cases and deaths, and stats for breast, colorectal, and global cancer, as well as for African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos.

Study participants enrolling in the American Cancer Society's Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3) at the Northwest Family YMCA, Kennesaw, Georgia, March 8, 2013.

Cancer Prevention Studies-3 (CPS-3)

See how 300,000 volunteer participants in this active population study are helping us move closer to a world without cancer.

circular pie chart with yellow, red, green, blue and pink pie slices

Currently Funded Cancer Research

Learn more about our substantial current spending on research.

Explore Our Research Programs

Our work covers the full realm of cancer research.

A closeup shot of multi-racial hands stacked on top of one another.

Surveillance & Health Equity Science (SHES)

We conduct and publish research on cancer prevention, surveillance, health services, and disparities, including the ACS Cancer Facts & Figures reports.

happy senior couple works out in park

Population Science (PopSci)

We conduct and publish research about cancer risk factors and the quality of life of cancer survivors, including the ACS Cancer Prevention Studies, CPS-II, and CPS-3.

A young male scientist in a white lab coat looks at a vial of blood in a laboratory.

Extramural Discovery Science (EDS)

We fund high impact and innovative research for any type of cancer and from bench to bedside by supporting scientists across the United States with research grants.

research proposal for cancer

Early Cancer Detection Science

We oversee the development, review, and update of evidence-based cancer screening guidelines using rigorous international standards. 

2 teenage Black students using the microscope in the laboratory

Center for Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) Training

We fund hands-on research programs for some of today's minority and disadvantaged students to improve the diversity of cancer research and care in the future. 

Glossary for Nonscientists

Featured term: cancer survivor.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with cancer, regardless of whether they are actively receiving treatment.

Our Scientists are Helping to End Cancer

research proposal for cancer

Interactive and Multimedia Platforms

graphic showing a screenshot from the Cancer Statistics Center website on a tablet with the text "A New Way to Interact with and Explore Cancer Statistics"

Cancer Statistics Center

map from the Cancer Atlas showing the years of life lost to cancer in 2008

Cancer Atlas

research proposal for cancer

ACS Research Podcasts

research proposal for cancer

ACS Recorded Webinars

Help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone..

 Charity Navigator 4-star rating button

Academia.edu no longer supports Internet Explorer.

To browse Academia.edu and the wider internet faster and more securely, please take a few seconds to  upgrade your browser .

Enter the email address you signed up with and we'll email you a reset link.

  • We're Hiring!
  • Help Center

paper cover thumbnail

A Research proposal on: ) on Breast Cancer cell line z The effect of (B

Profile image of nemar zaki

Back ground: cancer is a global health problem. According to the WHO recent reports, cancer caused about 7.6 million deaths in 2005, accounting for 13% death worldwide and it will result in about 84 million deaths by year 2015(1). Incidence of cancer in Sudan have been growing in numbers over the last five decades (1967-2010) .(2) .Breast cancer is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Overall, breast cancer appeared to be the most frequent hospital-treated malignancy in the Sudan(3).The awareness of early signs and symptoms for cancer type such as cervical and breast, in order to get them diagnosed and treated early before the disease becomes advanced is important step toward reducing cancer mortality (4) (5). A Sudanese medical plants such as (Bz) are usually used in traditional treatment of breast cancer in Northern State. In this study we investigate the effect of (Bz) on breast cancer cell line and evaluate it is effect when combining with (IM) and / or (CLT) on breast cancer cell line to settle down anew protocol for the treatment of cancer. Study aims: 1-To investigate the effect of (Bz) on breast cancer cell line to achive new protocol in cancer therapy. 2-To evaluate the effect of combining (Bz) with imatinib mesylate (IM) and / or with clotrimazol (CLT) on breast cancer cell line in attempt to establish effective new combination for the treatment of cancer.

Related Papers

OSUNTOKUN OLUDARE TEMITOPE (Orcid ID.0000-0002-3954-6778), Web of Science ResearcherID -L-4314-2016

research proposal for cancer

Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy

Peter G Mwitari

African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines

nael abutaha

Background: Medicinal plants have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases worldwide. There is a dire need for new anticancer agents and plants used in traditional medicine are a particularly useful source. Materials and methods: In this study, extracts of five different plants that grow in the desert of Saudi Arabia were evaluated to assess their cytotoxicity against the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell line. Soxhlet extraction was carried out on the leaves and stems using different solvents. The cytotoxicity of these extracts against MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells was assessed using the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The apoptotic cellular morphological changes were observed using inverted and fluorescence microscopes. Results: Our results showed that two of the five different medicinal plants (Rumex vesicarius and Malva parviflora) exhibited strong anticancer activity agains...

Sayed Ala Moududee

This article presents a comprehensive review of the breast cancer literature, the systemic nature and types of breast cancer as well as the pathology, stages and treatments with the recent diagnosis. It further explores the current prospects in the treatment of breast cancer with Nigerian medicinal plants which can be found locally in the Nigerian domain and possible discovery of herbal treatment which can be used in the treatment of breast cancer which is a ravaging menace to womanhood in Nigeria and the world at large. This review also showcase the usefulness of some Nigerian medicinal plant and the need to cultivate them, emphasis the dying aspect of our cultural existence which can be nurture to maturity through science and its discovery of modern drug for the treatment of breast cancer.

Siddha Papers ISSN 0974-2522

Thomas M Walter , S. Merish

Cancers are one among the leading causes of human death worldwide and the incidence continues to increase. Patients and their relatives are alarmed at the higher risk of morbidity and mortality this disease carries with it. Issues like prolonged hospitalization, treatment adherence, treatment costs and quality of living also annoy the patient and naturally they look for alternatives with proven track record. Here comes the wonderful therapeutic and prophylatic role of Traditional systems of Medicine. While the disease itself is not new to the mankind and it has always been dealt with since time immemorial by effective Traditional Siddha and Ayurvedic remedies. Cancer is known as ‘Putru’ in Siddha Medicine which literally means ‘Termite mound’ because of its proliferative nature. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death in women worldwide among other types of Cancers. Breast cancer risk in India is One in Twenty. The risk is more at Urban areas (one in twenty two) and comparatively low in rural areas (one in sixty). Since an increasing proportion of cancer patients are acquiring resistance to traditional chemotherapeutic agents, it is necessary to search for new compounds that provide suitable specific anti-proliferative effects that can be developed as anticancer agents. This trial is such an effort to scientifically document an effective anti-cancer agent for the treatment of Breast cancer which is of Herbal origin, free from side effects, cost effective and less invasive.

Journal of Medicinal Plants Research

Nigatu F. Tuasha

Valery M Dembitsky

Upon emergence of modern anticancer therapy, medical community is divided into two opposite camps, one of them claiming absolute necessity of using isolated or synthesized chemical compounds for efficient patient treatment and another one advocating alternative cancer therapies, in particular those based on natural sources, including extracts from plants. It seems, in reality, that the two camps are reconcilable: while natural sources, plant extracts or juices play both curative and protective role, drugs represent the ultimate possibility to inhibit or reverse tumor development. In this paper we tried to analyze anti-breast cancer potencies of quite a few extracts from different plant sources and to compare their anti-proliferative efficiency of crude extracts with actions of their purified ingredients.

African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Sakiru Erinoso

International Journal of Research in Pharmacy and Chemistry

Hassan Khalid

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

RELATED PAPERS

Frontiers in pharmacology

Abderrahmane Romane

The Journal of Phytopharmacology

Hajar hajar

European Journal of Medicinal Plants

Youssef Bakri

Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Health Care

Mrudul Vekaria

Cameil Wilson-Clarke

Scientia Pharmaceutica

Fatma Ulku Yazar Afifi

Mysore Krishnaiah Sateesh

International journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (IJPPS)

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

niyaz ahmad

Gene, Cell and Tissue

Mohamadreza Doostabadi

Muhammad Murtala Mainasara

European Scientific Journal ESJ

Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Abiodun Falodun

International Journal of Science and Research Archive

Dr. Ravindra B. Malabadi

lotfi AARAB

Biology and Medicine

Yasser Bustanji

VIOLET KASABRI

Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Prachi Karia

Journal of Research in Pharmacy

morteza rezaiefard

Planta Medica

EPMA Journal

Olga Golubnitschaja

Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacognosy Research

Journal Pharmacy Pharmacognosy Res JPPRes

Siew Hua Gan

abdeljlil DAOUDI

PERSPECTIVES AND PHYTOTHERAPEUTIC APPROACHES IN BREAST NEOPLASMS: A SCOPE REVIEW (Atena Editora)

Atena Editora

  •   We're Hiring!
  •   Help Center
  • Find new research papers in:
  • Health Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Cognitive Science
  • Mathematics
  • Computer Science
  • Academia ©2024

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

  • Publications
  • Account settings
  • My Bibliography
  • Collections
  • Citation manager

Save citation to file

Email citation, add to collections.

  • Create a new collection
  • Add to an existing collection

Add to My Bibliography

Your saved search, create a file for external citation management software, your rss feed.

  • Search in PubMed
  • Search in NLM Catalog
  • Add to Search

Blueprint for cancer research: Critical gaps and opportunities

Affiliation.

  • 1 Office of the Chief Medical and Scientific Officer, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia.
  • PMID: 33326126
  • DOI: 10.3322/caac.21652

We are experiencing a revolution in cancer. Advances in screening, targeted and immune therapies, big data, computational methodologies, and significant new knowledge of cancer biology are transforming the ways in which we prevent, detect, diagnose, treat, and survive cancer. These advances are enabling durable progress in the goal to achieve personalized cancer care. Despite these gains, more work is needed to develop better tools and strategies to limit cancer as a major health concern. One persistent gap is the inconsistent coordination among researchers and caregivers to implement evidence-based programs that rely on a fuller understanding of the molecular, cellular, and systems biology mechanisms underpinning different types of cancer. Here, the authors integrate conversations with over 90 leading cancer experts to highlight current challenges, encourage a robust and diverse national research portfolio, and capture timely opportunities to advance evidence-based approaches for all patients with cancer and for all communities.

Keywords: cancer modeling; cancer screening; cancer treatment; precision medicine.

© 2020 American Cancer Society.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

  • Clinical Cancer Advances 2017: Annual Report on Progress Against Cancer From the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Burstein HJ, Krilov L, Aragon-Ching JB, Baxter NN, Chiorean EG, Chow WA, De Groot JF, Devine SM, DuBois SG, El-Deiry WS, Epstein AS, Heymach J, Jones JA, Mayer DK, Miksad RA, Pennell NA, Sabel MS, Schilsky RL, Schuchter LM, Tung N, Winkfield KM, Wirth LJ, Dizon DS. Burstein HJ, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2017 Apr 20;35(12):1341-1367. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.71.5292. Epub 2017 Feb 1. J Clin Oncol. 2017. PMID: 28148207 No abstract available.
  • Clinical cancer advances 2011: Annual Report on Progress Against Cancer from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Vogelzang NJ, Benowitz SI, Adams S, Aghajanian C, Chang SM, Dreyer ZE, Janne PA, Ko AH, Masters GA, Odenike O, Patel JD, Roth BJ, Samlowski WE, Seidman AD, Tap WD, Temel JS, Von Roenn JH, Kris MG. Vogelzang NJ, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2012 Jan 1;30(1):88-109. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2011.40.1919. Epub 2011 Dec 5. J Clin Oncol. 2012. PMID: 22147736
  • Cancers in Vietnam-Burden and Control Efforts: A Narrative Scoping Review. Pham T, Bui L, Kim G, Hoang D, Tran T, Hoang M. Pham T, et al. Cancer Control. 2019 Jan-Dec;26(1):1073274819863802. doi: 10.1177/1073274819863802. Cancer Control. 2019. PMID: 31319695 Free PMC article. Review.
  • Cancer molecular markers: A guide to cancer detection and management. Nair M, Sandhu SS, Sharma AK. Nair M, et al. Semin Cancer Biol. 2018 Oct;52(Pt 1):39-55. doi: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.02.002. Epub 2018 Feb 8. Semin Cancer Biol. 2018. PMID: 29428478 Review.
  • [Cancer: three eras of personalized medicine]. Jordan B. Jordan B. Med Sci (Paris). 2017 Oct;33(10):905-908. doi: 10.1051/medsci/20173310024. Epub 2017 Oct 10. Med Sci (Paris). 2017. PMID: 28994388 French.
  • Data sharing in cancer research: A qualitative study exploring community members' preferences. Johnston EA, Bourdaniotis XE, Ayre SK, Zajdlewicz L, Beesley VL, Goodwin BC. Johnston EA, et al. Cancer Med. 2024 Aug;13(15):e70084. doi: 10.1002/cam4.70084. Cancer Med. 2024. PMID: 39126200 Free PMC article.
  • DKK1-SE recruits AP1 to activate the target gene DKK1 thereby promoting pancreatic cancer progression. Shao L, Yu H, Wang M, Chen L, Ji B, Wu T, Teng X, Su M, Han X, Shi W, Hu X, Wang Z, He H, Han G, Zhang Y, Wu Q. Shao L, et al. Cell Death Dis. 2024 Aug 6;15(8):566. doi: 10.1038/s41419-024-06915-z. Cell Death Dis. 2024. PMID: 39107271 Free PMC article.
  • Revitalizing Cancer Treatment: Exploring the Role of Drug Repurposing. Malla R, Viswanathan S, Makena S, Kapoor S, Verma D, Raju AA, Dunna M, Muniraj N. Malla R, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Apr 11;16(8):1463. doi: 10.3390/cancers16081463. Cancers (Basel). 2024. PMID: 38672545 Free PMC article. Review.
  • Data-driven information extraction and enrichment of molecular profiling data for cancer cell lines. Smith E, Paloots R, Giagkos D, Baudis M, Stockinger K. Smith E, et al. Bioinform Adv. 2024 Mar 16;4(1):vbae045. doi: 10.1093/bioadv/vbae045. eCollection 2024. Bioinform Adv. 2024. PMID: 38560553 Free PMC article.
  • Data gaps and opportunities for modeling cancer health equity. Trentham-Dietz A, Corley DA, Del Vecchio NJ, Greenlee RT, Haas JS, Hubbard RA, Hughes AE, Kim JJ, Kobrin S, Li CI, Meza R, Neslund-Dudas CM, Tiro JA. Trentham-Dietz A, et al. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2023 Nov 8;2023(62):246-254. doi: 10.1093/jncimonographs/lgad025. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2023. PMID: 37947335 Free PMC article.
  • Lowy DR, Collins FS. Aiming high-changing the trajectory for cancer. N Engl J Med. 2016;374:1901-1904. doi:10.1056/nejmp1600894
  • Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2020. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70:7-30. doi:10.3322/caac.21590
  • Siegel RL, Miller KD, Fuchs H, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2021. CA Cancer J Clin. In press.
  • Ma J, Jemal A, Fedewa SA, et al. The American Cancer Society 2035 challenge goal on cancer mortality reduction. CA Cancer J Clin. 2019;69:351-362. doi:10.3322/caac.21564
  • Islami F, Goding Sauer A, Miller KD, et al. Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018;68:31-54. doi:10.3322/caac.21440

Publication types

  • Search in MeSH

Related information

Linkout - more resources, full text sources, miscellaneous.

  • NCI CPTAC Assay Portal

full text provider logo

  • Citation Manager

NCBI Literature Resources

MeSH PMC Bookshelf Disclaimer

The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

How to Find the Right Oncologist for You

After a cancer diagnosis, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

An illustration of a doctor beckoning a person to come their way, Both of them are on a path that goes in different directions and they are at the crossroads.

By Ted Alcorn

After a career as a golf professional in southeastern New Mexico, Doug Lyle, 76, decided he had somewhere better to be than on the course: spending time with his new grandchild. Then this summer, just as he was settling into retirement, he learned he had prostate cancer.

“When you’re first diagnosed, you immediately go to the internet, and you can be overwhelmed in short order,” he said. “The more you read about it, the more complicated it gets.”

One of the first and most important choices he had to make was who his oncologist would be. Many of the two million patients diagnosed with cancer in the United States each year get the news from a primary care doctor. Those patients might accept a referral to an oncologist without question. But research suggests that it’s worth considering the choice closely: It can shape the care you receive , your satisfaction with the treatment and your chances of survival .

Scour the information available.

Not everyone has a choice of oncologists. There are fewer providers in rural areas, and patients must travel farther to reach them. Insurers may only cover certain clinicians and hospitals. And patients from certain populations have less access to oncologists for a range of reasons, which may affect the care they receive. For example, research suggests that Black and Hispanic women with breast cancer are more likely than white women to experience delays in starting radiotherapy. And Black men with prostate cancer are less likely than white men to receive treatment that’s intended to cure their condition, even when they’re at similar stages of disease.

No matter your circumstances, you should feel empowered to have a say in who treats your cancer.

Ideally, experts said, you’d be able to easily compare doctors’ levels of experience and the outcomes of patients they’ve treated with your same diagnosis. But such apples-to-apples comparisons are not always easy to make. But “right now, there are no publicly available data to help a patient with cancer say, ‘Oh, this is where I want to go,’” said Dr. Nancy Keating, a physician and professor of health care policy and medicine at Harvard Medical School. (And even if there were, apples-to-apples comparisons are not always easy to make, since patient populations vary from one doctor to the next).

Still, there are some accreditations to look for. The National Cancer Institute has given a special designation to 72 cancer centers , which must show they treat patients in accordance with the latest evidence and also conduct research into new therapies. The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer has accredited over 1,500 programs that meet certain standards. And the American Society of Clinical Oncology has several certification programs, including a list of 300 practices recognized for their quality and safety.

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber?  Log in .

Want all of The Times?  Subscribe .

Team of scientists awarded prize for biomedical research innovation

Leigh Anne Kelley

28 Aug 2024

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Copy address link to clipboard

Immunostained human lymph node

Immunostained human lymph node

Jennifer Munson, professor with the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, was part of a team of researchers to win a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Complement Animal Research in Experimentation (ARIE) Challenge prize.

Their project,  Population Diversity in Responses to Vaccination , was one of 20 nationwide to win the competition designed to drive innovation in research. The goal of program is to fast-track development of new lab- or computer-based research approaches to more accurately model human biology and complement — or replace — traditional biomedical research models.

The team’s vision was development of a novel in vitro model that simulates the interactions between the human brain and immune system while beginning to account for differences such as sex, age, race, and body mass.

The group includes team captain Rebecca Pompano, associate professor of chemistry and biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia; C. John Luckey, associate medical director of the Department of Pathology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine; Evangelia Bellas, associate professor of bioengineering with Temple University’s College of Engineering; Aarthi Narayanan, a biology professor at George Mason University; and Munson, who is also a member of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech.

The group's model proposes using cells from human donors that are cultured to form tiny replicas of brain, lymph node, and fat tissue. Those would be combined in a container smaller than a credit card and connected via two loops of recirculating fluid that represent the intersection between the brain and the body and provide a platform for studying human health.

Vaccines and immunotherapies are challenging to develop. “Progress is especially slow for brain or immune diseases, as these tissues are largely inaccessible for study in humans and animal models are insufficient to replicate their complexity,” the team wrote in its submission.

Team members hope the project will provide a platform for studying and treating infections including influenza, COVID-19, and conditions such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer.

Challenge prize winners will share a total prize purse of $1 million for their innovative solutions. Winning concepts will be incorporated into the Complement-AIRE program’s ongoing planning.

“The idea is to put some money into innovative things that can [benefit] multiple institutes or centers,” said Rick Woychik, director of the NIH’s National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

Woychik mentioned the prizes during his public lecture at the research institute this past spring. He said the projects have the potential to advance our ability to do toxicity testing, evaluate new drugs, and build and develop better biomedical research tools.

540-526-2002

  • Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics
  • COVID-19 Research
  • Cancer Research Center — Roanoke
  • College of Engineering
  • Faculty of Health Sciences
  • Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
  • Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC - top news

Related Content

An aerial shot of a field of soybean rows.

To Combat Cancer Treatment Resistance, Researchers Try Leveraging Evolution

August 22, 2024 , by Carmen Phillips

A conceptual image with a small segment of a DNA double helix being removed with tweezers.

Researchers have developed a strategy for combatting cancer treatment resistance that involves intentionally engineering cancer cells within a tumor to be resistant to a specific therapy.

Scientists have devised a potential new strategy for treating cancer by taking the ability of tumors to rapidly evolve and turning it against them. 

The particular evolutionary change they’re targeting is tumors’ uncanny capacity for making tiny changes in their biological makeup that can cause a cancer drug that had been working to stop doing so—a phenomenon often called treatment resistance.

But the researchers, from Penn State, have come up with a way to take advantage of this troublesome adaptation. And, surprisingly, it involves intentionally engineering cancer cells within a tumor to be resistant to a specific treatment from the get-go.

Their idea is that as a patient undergoes treatment, the engineered cancer cells don’t just survive, they thrive, quickly taking over the tumor. And that’s when the tables turn, because those same cancer cells are also engineered to have a second skill: producing a drug that kills both them and other nearby, nonengineered cancer cells. 

By giving or stopping the use of specific drugs, the engineered cells’ new abilities can be turned on and off like light switches, explained the study’s lead investigator, Justin Pritchard, Ph.D., of Penn State’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences. 

In experiments in mouse models of lung cancer, the approach worked precisely as hoped, with tumors being completely eradicated and appearing not to return . The study, funded in part by NCI and several other NIH institutes, was published July 4 in Nature Biotechnology .

Khalid Shah, Ph.D., director of the Center for Stem and Translational Immunotherapy at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, who has led research on engineering cancer cells to use them as cancer therapy , called the results “promising.” The findings, Dr. Shah said, provide strong evidence it’s possible to “forward engineer the evolution of tumor cells.”

“We know that it’s a different way” to think about treating cancer, Dr. Pritchard said. But with these promising initial results, he continued, their team feels like “there are a lot of opportunities here.” 

The evolution of treatment resistance

Treatment resistance is among the biggest challenges in cancer, with some studies estimating that it contributes to 80% to 90% of cancer-related deaths. 

Cancer cells that become resistant to a treatment, or that are naturally resistant, are much like a handful of weeds in a lawn that, unlike others in the yard, aren’t killed by weed spray from the local hardware store. In a matter of days or weeks, those few stubborn weeds can seed a lot of friends throughout the lawn.

An illustration depicting chromothripsis and its outcome, including ecDNA formation

Can Resistance to Targeted Therapies Be Prevented?

Study identifies a potential key to how cancer cells become resistant to targeted therapies.

Similarly, in tumors, cancer cells that are sensitive to a treatment are killed off, while those that have the biological wherewithal to withstand those assaults remain. Those resistant cells then start multiplying and the tumor resumes growing.

Precisely how individual tumors become resistant can vary from person to person, but often there are common mechanisms—most often new genetic changes—that cancer cells acquire. This is particularly true for resistance to targeted therapies, which represent the vast majority of new cancer drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration over the past 25 years . 

For example, targeted therapies work by latching on to part of a mutated protein on or inside cancer cells, which in turn creates a cascade of events that causes the cells to die.

But as tumors are barraged by these therapies, over time some cells in the tumor develop additional genetic mutations that cause the shape of the proteins at those precise binding spots to change. When that happens, the drugs can no longer grab on to their protein targets on those cells, and soon enough the treatments stop working altogether. 

The solution to this problem has been for researchers to develop new forms of targeted therapies (often called second- and third-generation drugs) that can work even when resistance-inducing genetic changes are present in those cells. 

Many of these next-generation therapies “are great drugs,” Dr. Pritchard said. But, he added, tumors almost always find a way to outwit them too.

Redirecting tumor evolution

The Penn State team decided to revisit this “reactive” strategy to combatting resistance. Instead of waiting to see how tumors evolve to escape the assaults of a given treatment, they thought, why not “redirect” evolution and use it in their favor?

To pull off this redirection, they would use genetic engineering technology to insert two different genes into cancer cells in the lab that would give them specific abilities.

An illustration showing step-by-step how the "forward engineering" of cancer cells strategy works.

In this "forward engineering of tumor evolution" strategy, after cancer cells with specific genetic changes are in a tumor, drugs are used to activate those two genes (switch 1 and switch 2), ultimately killing the tumor.

The first gene, or switch 1, provides the instructions for making the cells resistant to a specific treatment.

The second gene, or switch 2, transforms the cells into “local drug factories,” providing the instructions for transforming an inactive drug into a toxic drug. After killing the cancer cells, that toxic drug is also dispersed into their nearby surroundings, killing other cancer cells in the immediate area.

For the strategy to work, this collateral damage—or bystander effect—to nearby cancer cells is critical, wrote Andriy Marusyk, Ph.D., who studies cancer evolution at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL, in an editorial that accompanied the study . 

The bystander effect “maximizes the odds of” eliminating nonengineered cancer cells, Dr. Marusyk wrote, but also “engineered cells in which [the gene for switch 2] was lost or inactivated by mutations.”

Eliminating tumors in mice

To test the feasibility of their idea, Dr. Pritchard and his team began by using computer models that allowed them to better understand how tumors evolve in response to different treatments. Those models, and some laboratory experiments, also helped them simulate the impact of their strategy in different cancer types using different therapies and gene designs for the switches.

A big part of this work, Dr. Pritchard said, was “thinking about all the different ways this [strategy] could go wrong.”

From there, they again used the computer model to help design a switch strategy for a common treatment scenario: lung cancer with mutations in the EGFR gene being treated with the third-generation EGFR-targeted therapy osimertinib (Tagrisso) . Although studies show that treatment with osimertinib shrinks tumors for extended periods in about 70% of people treated with it, resistance invariably sets in and the tumors resume growing .

They then tested the strategy in mice. To get the engineered cells into tumors, both engineered and nonengineered EGFR-mutated cancer cells (including those naturally resistant to osimertinib) were implanted into mice, which in short order formed into tumors.

Switch 1 was turned on by giving the mice a drug called a dimerizer, while switch 2 was turned on by the inactive drug that would be turned into a toxin.

Initial experiments showed that the strategy shrank tumors and appeared to have the desired bystander effect. For the final experiments, the teams developed mice with tumors that better simulate those in humans, in that they had more cells that were naturally resistant to osimertinib.

Ten mice were not implanted with any engineered cancer cells and 12 had tumors that did form in part from implanted engineered cells. 

In the group of 10 mice, treatment with osimertinib initially shrank tumors in all of them. But the tumors soon began growing again and all the mice quickly died. By contrast, 11 of 12 mice with engineered cells in their tumors were alive several months after starting treatment with osimertinib with no obvious evidence that the tumors had started growing again.

The challenge of moving from the lab to patients

There’s a lot more research to be done, Dr. Shah said. But this initial work shows that it’s possible to force “drug resistance in a direction that is more favorable for treatment as opposed to allowing tumors to develop resistant [cancer cell] populations randomly.”

A red bean shape on DNA labeled "cell death gene" with the words ON and an arrow pointing to a dividing cell. Below, Red and green bean shapes with a squiggly line connecting them and labeled "TCIP1". The word ON and an arrow pointing to a dead cell.

Drug Rewires Cancer Cells to Self-Destruct

A new type of drug affects genes that control whether cells live or die.

Moving this idea from success in mice to testing in humans will be difficult, Dr. Pritchard acknowledged. Although there are several obstacles, he believes the biggest “is delivery”—that is, getting the engineered cancer cells into tumors.

Instead of engineering cells in the lab and then giving them back to patients, one potential option, Dr. Marusyk noted, involves a lesson from COVID vaccines: using mRNA technology to deliver the instructions for the switches directly to tumors. 

With continued advances in different ways of transferring genetic information into cells, he wrote, getting the switches into cancer cells in the body “is not an insurmountable challenge.”

Dr. Shah pointed to other potential hurdles. For example, the percentage of cells in a tumor that are inherently resistant to a given treatment is an important consideration, he continued. Levels of these cells “vary across different tumor types and patients,” he explained, and will likely affect the engineered cells’ ability to take over a tumor. 

So, getting the right mix of engineered cells to resistant cells in a given tumor will be “crucial for the strategy's success,” Dr. Shah said. 

According to Dr. Pritchard, the Penn State researchers are moving forward with testing strategies for delivering the genes for the switches to tumors and fine-tuning the approach in more advanced animal models . They’re also considering which types of cancers would be best to focus on initially in future human studies.

“We’re thinking about that a lot,” Dr. Pritchard said. Given the unique nature of their strategy, he continued, selecting the right situation for initial human studies “will be very important.”

Featured Posts

June 5, 2024, by Linda Wang

May 3, 2024, by Carmen Phillips

May 1, 2024, by Edward Winstead

  • Biology of Cancer
  • Cancer Risk
  • Childhood Cancer
  • Clinical Trial Results
  • Disparities
  • FDA Approvals
  • Global Health
  • Leadership & Expert Views
  • Screening & Early Detection
  • Survivorship & Supportive Care
  • February (6)
  • January (6)
  • December (7)
  • November (6)
  • October (7)
  • September (7)
  • February (7)
  • November (7)
  • October (5)
  • September (6)
  • November (4)
  • September (9)
  • February (5)
  • October (8)
  • January (7)
  • December (6)
  • September (8)
  • February (9)
  • December (9)
  • November (9)
  • October (9)
  • September (11)
  • February (11)
  • January (10)

IMAGES

  1. (PDF) A Research proposal on: ) on Breast Cancer cell line z The effect of (B

    research proposal for cancer

  2. Mastering The Art Of Writing A Cancer Biology Research Proposal- Pubrica.com

    research proposal for cancer

  3. Research Proposal For Phd In Pharmacology

    research proposal for cancer

  4. ️ Research proposal on cancer. Lung cancer research proposal. 2019-01-28

    research proposal for cancer

  5. 📗 Breast Cancer: Research Proposal

    research proposal for cancer

  6. Cancer biology Scientific Research Proposal Writing Support- Pubrica.…

    research proposal for cancer

COMMENTS

  1. Cancer research writing: how to write a research proposal

    There are five steps to write an active cancer research proposal. This is the first step in writing a research paper. Identification of research journals. How long it would take to complete the process, what level of financing it would require, and finding of potential for particular compounds.

  2. PDF Strategies for Success: How to Write a Grant in Cancer CAM

    R03 Small Research Grant. Small Research Grants (R03s) provide research support specifically limited in time and amount for studies in categorical program areas. Small research grants provide flexibility for initiating studies that are generally for preliminary short-term projects. These grants are non-renewable.

  3. Sample Healthcare Delivery Research Grant Applications

    Sample Grants. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) frequently receives requests for examples of funded grant applications. Several investigators and their organizations agreed to let the Healthcare Delivery Research Program (HDRP) post excerpts of their healthcare delivery research grant applications online. We are grateful to the investigators ...

  4. Sample Grant Applications

    Several investigators and their organizations agreed to post part of their dissemination and implementation grant applications online. We are grateful to them for letting us provide this resource to the community. Note: These sample grants predate some recent grants policy changes, including NIH's Data Management and Sharing (DMS) Policy ...

  5. Apply for a Research Grant

    Who Can Apply: Awarded to institutions as block grants to provide seed money for newly independent investigators to initiate cancer research projects. The principal investigator of the grant should be a senior faculty member. Funding: 1 to 3 years with an average of $120K a year, renewable. Deadline: April 1*.

  6. Research Funding Opportunities

    NCI Funding Opportunities by Research Topic. Artificial Intelligence (AI) AI research is supported by a wide variety of grant and contract programs across NCI. Basic Biology. Research projects in basic cancer biology are supported and coordinated through the Division of Cancer Biology (DCB). Behavioral Research.

  7. Cancer Research Scholar Grants

    Grant proposals are investigator-initiated and may pursue questions across the cancer research continuum, as long as they fit within an American Cancer Society (ACS) priority research area. These grants typically contribute to the cost of salaries, consumable supplies, and other miscellaneous items required in the research.

  8. How to plan and write a research proposal: Cancer research writing

    There are five steps to write an active cancer research proposal. 1. Preparation. 2. Development. 3. Specific points. 4. Background and importance. 5. Research plan and strategies. 1. Preparation: This is the first step in writing a research paper. Identification of research journals. How long it would take to complete the process, what level ...

  9. Grant Types

    Mentored Research Grants. Postdoctoral Fellowships. Clinician Scientist Development Grant (CSDG) ASTRO-ACS Clinician Scientist Development Grant.

  10. Proposal Resources » Cancer Center

    The resources below are provided as templates and guides for those preparing extramural proposals. If you have any questions regarding these resources, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] Budget Resources UF Division of Sponsored Programs Budget Guidelines UF Fringe Rates Boilerplate Language Facilities and Other Resources NIH Resources R01 Application Guide

  11. Mastering The Art Of Writing A Cancer Biology Research Proposal

    An excellent cancer biology research proposal would necessarily meet the below mentioned general requirements. Establish the research setting and indicate why there is a need for the research. With regards to this initial requirement, you need to also emphasize how your research would meet this need, and the manner in which it will do so ...

  12. Sample Grant Applications

    The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) frequently receives requests from investigators for examples of successfully funded grant applications. ... Below are links to examples in specific cancer control research areas. Note: These sample grants predate some recent grants policy changes, including NIH's Data Management ...

  13. Funding Opportunities

    The mission of the American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant is to attract and increase the number of junior faculty members, including highly qualified physicians, physician-scientists, and population-based or basic/translational scientists who are dedicated to cancer research and to maximize their potential to be leaders in academic medicine.

  14. How to make a successful application

    Relevance to our research priorities - read our Research Strategy and clearly state how your research relates to cancer research. Make sure you read the eligibility information for your chosen scheme. The originality of your ideas and proposal - make sure your research is answering an important and valid research question.; Your knowledge of relevant literature and developments in your area.

  15. (PDF) Breast Cancer Research Proposal

    Breast cancer is the most common diagnosed malignancy in women worldwide (22%) and in India. (18.5%) it ranks second to cervical cancer. The burden of breast cancer is increasing in both ...

  16. PDF Leading Progress against Cancer

    By funding cancer research as described in this . proposal, we can capitalize on critical scientific . opportunities, continue to lessen the impact of the ... s budget by a staggering $1.1 billion, and ensure that all people can benefit from our advances. NCI's support for cancer research has led to many important breakthroughs for patients ...

  17. PDF PhD Proposal in Cancer Research sample

    The student who will be conducting this research will be given support by a supervisory team with both industrial and academic expertise in both medicinal and synthetic chemistry, chemoproteomics and cancer biology. The student will also be mainly placed in the 4th Group of the Medicinal Chemistry team, along with Dr. Strauss Meyer.

  18. NCI FY25 Professional Judgment Budget Proposal

    This Professional Judgment Budget Proposal presents NCI's assessment of the funding needed in fiscal year 2025 (FY25) to support readily obtainable research opportunities and accelerate progress to benefit all people with cancer and those at risk. In addition to supporting new avenues of discovery, funding for cancer research must also keep ...

  19. Research Proposal: Cancer Patients' Survival: Comparing Integrated

    Research Proposal for Discussion: Cancer Patients' Outcomes: Comparing Integrated Alternative Therapies and Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy Treatment. Standard cancer treatments - surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy - are the only ones currently sanctioned by law for use by physicians and oncologists.[1,2] Hence, epidemiological research and ...

  20. Highlighted Scientific Opportunities in Cancer Research

    NCI pursues new and emerging scientific opportunities to catalyze additional progress in cancer research. Five areas of opportunity are highlighted in the NCI Fiscal Year 2025 Professional Judgment Budget Proposal. Sustained investments in each would support goals and strategies of the National Cancer Plan.

  21. Research On Cancer

    The American Cancer Society (ACS) has helped make possible almost every major cancer breakthrough since 1946. Since then, we've invested more than $5 billion in cancer research, making us the largest nonprofit funder of cancer research in the United States, outside of the federal government. We remain committed to finding more - and better ...

  22. (PDF) A Research proposal on: ) on Breast Cancer cell line z The effect

    A Research proposal on: The effect of (Bz) on Breast Cancer cell line By: Dr.Ahmed Mohomed Zein Faculty of Medicine University of Dongola Sudan. Cell phone: +249123111612 Email: [email protected] Back ground: cancer is a global health problem.

  23. Blueprint for cancer research: Critical gaps and opportunities

    Abstract. We are experiencing a revolution in cancer. Advances in screening, targeted and immune therapies, big data, computational methodologies, and significant new knowledge of cancer biology are transforming the ways in which we prevent, detect, diagnose, treat, and survive cancer. These advances are enabling durable progress in the goal to ...

  24. Radiogenomics and Liquid Biopsy for Cancer Research

    The logistic regression model correctly classified lung cancer and non-cancer blood samples with 94.12% sensitivity (95% Confidence Interval: 92.20-96.04%) and 85.96% specificity (95% Confidence ...

  25. New way to potentially slow cancer growth

    This work and the researchers involved were supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (U19 AI142784 and R35 CA231991); Cancer Research UK (CGCATF-2021/100012 and CGCATF-2021/ ...

  26. How to Find the Right Oncologist After a Cancer Diagnosis

    The National Cancer Institute has given a special designation to 72 cancer centers, which must show they treat patients in accordance with the latest evidence and also conduct research into new ...

  27. Team of scientists awarded prize for biomedical research innovation

    A multi-university team including Jennifer Munson of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute earned a Complement Animal Research in Experimentation Challenge prize with a proposal for a novel platform for studying and treating neuro-immune infections including the flu, COVID-19, potential biothreats, and conditions such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, and brain cancer.

  28. A Narrative Review of the Current Research in Cancer-Related Pain

    Pain is a persistent, debilitating symptom of cancer 1,2 coming from the cancer itself or its treatments. 2 Approximately 38% of patients with cancer experience moderate-severe cancer-related pain 3 (hereafter "cancer pain") and an estimated 47% of cancer survivors suffer from chronic pain after curative treatment. 4 Pain is a complex phenomenon influenced by biological (e.g., sensation ...

  29. The role of community in cancer care

    Making strides in cancer research. NCS is at the forefront of cancer research, and the leading research program aims to pioneer new treatments and therapies with the potential to revolutionize ...

  30. Engineering Cancer Cells to Short-Circuit Treatment Resistance

    Khalid Shah, Ph.D., director of the Center for Stem and Translational Immunotherapy at Brigham and Women's Hospital, who has led research on engineering cancer cells to use them as cancer therapy, called the results "promising." The findings, Dr. Shah said, provide strong evidence it's possible to "forward engineer the evolution of ...