Notice of Special Interest (NOSI): Biology of Lung and Head and Neck Preneoplasia

Organization
NCI
Type
NIH NOSI
Application Due Date
05-08-2023
Number
NOT-CA-21-057
Comments
Expiration Date: 5/8/23.
Brief Description

This Notice of Special Interest (NOSI) seeks applications investigating mechanistic and biological aspects of preneoplasia leading to invasive lung and head and neck (HN) cancers. Despite having better molecular understanding of lung and HN cancers and improved therapies for affected patients, these tumors remain a major health problem in the United States (US) and globally. While molecular markers of early injury of the aerodigestive epithelial field have been found, relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms that initiate these preneoplasias and drive their progression to invasive cancer. In addition, growing evidence highlights the importance of the interaction between the immune system and cancer development. In recent years, immune-based therapies (especially, checkpoint inhibitors) have come to the forefront of standard therapies for many malignancies including lung and HN cancers. However, little is known about the immune regulation of premalignancy, including lung and HN preneoplasias. A functional understanding of the key molecular and cellular changes involved in the formation and advancement of lung and HN preneoplasias will enhance our knowledge of oncogenic progression and accelerate development of effective, rationally designed, preventive and therapeutic strategies.