Millions are available for research into the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survival of Esophageal Cancer through the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program. Every year since 2019, ECAN has successfully advocated to ensure that Esophageal Cancer researchers have access to the program that this year received a Congressional appropriation of $130 Million.  Over the past three years, ECAN’s efforts have added more than $15 million in research funding through this program for research into the prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and survival of Esophageal Cancer.

Deadlines for pre-proposals for the Impact and Idea Awards are due on June 21, 2024.  The Idea Award ($400,000) funds innovative, basic research of untested ideas, with no preliminary data required. The Impact Award ($1M) funds hypothesis-driven, high-impact research with the potential to make a critical impact. Clinical Trials are allowed in Impact Award proposals. 

Deadlines for Letters of Intent for the Patient Wellbeing and Survivorship Award and the Career Development Award (VCC) Scholar Option are due on July 12, 2024. The Patient Wellbeing and Survivorship Award ($1M) funds research into quality of life, symptom management, and psychosocial issues. Clinical Trials are allowed in Patient Wellbeing and Survivorship proposals. The Career Development Award (Virtual Cancer Center) Scholar Option ($800,000) funds the work of Early-career Principal Investigators who will join the Virtual Cancer Center Cohort.

Researchers can gain comprehensive instruction on how to effectively apply for these generous grants by viewing the recording of the webinar hosted by ECAN specifically for researchers.

Full announcements and submission deadlines are expected to be posted in mid-June for the following awards:

  • Clinical Trials Award ($3M) Pilot/Phase 0 – Phase 3, focused on therapeutics, devices, clinical guidance, or technologies.
  • Virtual Cancer Center Director Award ($1.75M) Supports leaders with a strong record of mentoring.
  • Convergent Science Consortium Award ($20M) Coordinating center and research projects at three sites. Clinical Trials allowed.