Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) invites applications for participation in an Ideas Lab to establish the SU2C Head and Neck Cancer Research Team. The Research Team will bring new approaches to treating head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cancer into the clinical setting, with a focus on HPV-related and Fanconi anemia (FA)-related cancers. Individuals with FA who survive into adulthood have a nearly 100% risk of mucosal squamous cell carcinomas, most commonly of the oral cavity. The only safe treatment option to date is surgical resection, which is often not curative. Investigators across disciplines, including oncology, biology, engineering, chemistry, physics, or other areas are encouraged to apply to bring their expertise to bear against HNSCC and its association with HPV and defects in the FA pathway. Proposed ideas should be based on perceived opportunities for success as well as high-priority areas reflecting critical patient needs. Stand Up To Cancer is committed to lowering the barriers of access to new treatments to all cancer patients and to expanding diversity with the inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and ethnic minority populations into clinical trials that we fund. As such, the Research Team will develop precision medical treatment and intervention solutions to serve diverse patient populations through clinical trials and research studies that have developed successful strategies, measurable outcomes, and robust outreach plans to feasibly and effectively include these populations into these studies. The Research Team aims, milestones, and deliverables will be developed by the Ideas Lab participants and clearly stated in their proposals. The scope of work presented in the selected proposal will serve as the foundation for ongoing scientific review. It is anticipated that goals stated in the proposal will be achieved during the 3-year grant program. The funding available for the program is up to $3,250,000.
The SU2C Head and Neck Cancer Research Team Grant is made possible by generous support from Fanconi Anemia Research Fund, the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, the American Head and Neck Society, and the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance.