Advancing Breakthroughs in ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Grant Program

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lung cancer outcomes through funding innovative research and supporting scientific advancements. The organization has historically focused on accelerating discoveries in lung cancer biology, treatment, and survivorship. Through its award programs, it seeks to address critical gaps in understanding and treating lung cancer, particularly in areas where current therapies are not curative. The 2026 LCRF Award on Advancing Breakthroughs in ALK-Positive Lung Cancer is designed to target a specific subset of non-small cell lung cancer driven by ALK rearrangements, where resistance to existing therapies remains a major challenge. This funding opportunity is intended to support research that advances understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying ALK-positive lung cancer and to foster the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The program emphasizes both mechanistic research and translational efforts that can lead to meaningful clinical applications. Given that existing ALK-targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are not curative and often result in resistance, the grant prioritizes projects that can bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical interventions. Proposals are expected to contribute to near-term therapeutic advancements, ideally leading to clinical trials that evaluate new or improved treatment approaches. The scope of funding includes a wide range of scientific topics relevant to ALK-positive lung cancer. These include studies on early disease progression, metastatic patterns, tumor microenvironment interactions, metabolic vulnerabilities, and the impact of co-mutations and ALK variants on treatment response. Additionally, the program encourages exploration of innovative therapies beyond current standards, such as vaccines, cell-based therapies, and immunomodulatory strategies. Projects must include a strong translational research component and may be associated with ongoing or planned clinical trials, though early phase dose-seeking trials are not permitted. The award provides funding of up to 300,000 dollars over a two-year performance period, with funds disbursed in two installments contingent upon progress reporting. Budget allocations must prioritize translational work, with at least half of the funding directed toward such efforts. The grant cannot be used for institutional indirect costs, and restrictions apply to equipment purchases and reimbursable patient care costs. While there is no formal matching requirement, applicants may seek additional funding sources to support associated clinical trials. Funds are awarded to the sponsoring institution affiliated with the principal investigator. Eligibility is open to cancer researchers affiliated with nonprofit academic or research institutions worldwide, regardless of citizenship or residency. Applicants may be at any career stage, and collaborations with industry partners are permitted. However, applicants cannot hold overlapping funding from the same foundation, and restrictions apply to salary support overlap and simultaneous applications across multiple funding tracks. If invited to submit a full proposal, applicants must include a patient or patient advocate as part of the research team, contributing to study design and engagement. The application process follows a two-stage submission model consisting of a Letter of Intent followed by a full proposal for selected applicants. All submissions must be completed through an online portal. The LOI requires basic project information, specific aims, and investigator biosketches, while the full proposal includes detailed narratives, clinical trial documentation if applicable, budget justification, letters of support, and additional required components. Evaluation is conducted through administrative review and scientific assessment by advisory boards and patient advocates, focusing on feasibility, innovation, and potential impact. The timeline for this opportunity begins with the opening of LOI submissions on June 9, 2026, with a deadline of July 15, 2026. Applicants selected from the LOI stage will be invited to submit full proposals by September 29, 2026. Reviews occur in the following months, with funding decisions expected by December 2026. The grant is part of a recurring funding cycle, and applicants are encouraged to plan submissions accordingly. For questions or clarifications, applicants may contact the LCRF grants office via email.

Ensure strong translational component tied to clinical impact; align proposal with near-term therapeutic potential; include robust rationale and feasibility; incorporate patient advocate meaningfully in study design