The FY20 PCRP Translational Science Award (TSA) mechanism supports advanced translational research
that will foster transformation of promising ideas in prostate cancer into clinical applications,
ultimately providing a solution to one or more of the FY20 PCRP Overarching Challenges.
Translational research may be defined as an integration of basic science and clinical observations.
Observations that drive a research idea may originate from a laboratory discovery, population-based
studies, or a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patient care. Principal Investigators (PIs)
should not view translational research as a one-way continuum from bench to bedside, but can
include a reciprocal flow of ideas and information between basic science and clinical science. This
mechanism is intended to fund a broad range of translational studies including, but not limited to,
the following:
• Advanced preclinical studies aimed at translating results from animal studies to applications
with human samples/cohorts. The TSA is not intended to support initial mechanistic studies of a new
target.
• Late-stage preclinical work leading to/preparing for a clinical trial, e.g., an Investigational
New Drug (IND) application submission
• Correlative studies that are associated with an open/ongoing or completed clinical trial
• Projects that develop endpoints for clinical trials
Preliminary data to support the feasibility of the research hypotheses and research approaches are
required. The inclusion of additional preliminary data to support the clinical relevance of the
idea is strongly encouraged.
As the ultimate goal of translational research is to move a concept or observation forward into
clinical application, applications must include a detailed transition plan that articulates the
pathway to moving the project’s findings to the next phase of development after successful
completion of the award and how the PI will continue advancing the research toward making a
clinical impact, even if clinical impact is not an immediate outcome.
Research involving human subjects is permitted under this funding opportunity; however clinical
trials are not allowed. Correlative studies associated with an existing clinical trial are
particularly encouraged, provided they are determined to be no greater than minimal risk by the
Institutional Review Board (IRB) of record and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development
Command (USAMRDC), Office of Research Protections (ORP), Human Research Protection Office (HRPO).
Investigators seeking funding for a clinical trial are encouraged to consider submitting an
application to the FY20 PCRP Clinical Trial Award (Funding Opportunity Number: W81XWH-
20-PCRP-CTA).