Microbial-based Cancer Imaging and Therapy - Bugs as Drugs (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Background
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to encourage grant applications that utilize microorganisms, including bacteria and archaebacteria, in the study of cancer.

The goal is to explore their potential for cancer imaging, therapeutics, or diagnostics, addressing the complex interactions between microorganisms, tumors, and the immune system. This funding opportunity is part of broader NCI-sponsored research on microbial-based cancer therapy.

Grant Details
This NOFO supports exploratory projects aimed at demonstrating core functional capabilities of microbial-based approaches to cancer therapy. Projects may involve basic mechanistic and preclinical studies in cell culture and animal models.

Applicants are encouraged to focus on both microbial and tumor aspects relevant to microbial-based cancer therapy, including therapies for oral cancer, tumor imaging, detection, or diagnosis. Specific research areas include:
- Basic biology of microbe-tumor interactions such as invasion and antigen presentation.
- Microbial interactions with the immune system to induce specific antitumor immunity.
- Development of novel microbial species with therapeutic potential.
- Strategies for treating poorly vascularized tumors or distant metastases.
- Approaches for microbial-based cancer detection and imaging.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions (public and private), nonprofits, for-profit organizations (including small businesses), local and state governments, tribal governments, federal agencies, and foreign organizations. Institutions serving underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 2 years with a budget not exceeding $275,000 for direct costs over this period. No more than $200,000 may be requested in any single year.

Grant Value
The total value of the grant is up to $275,000 over a maximum project period of 2 years.