The Confluence of Cancer Stigma and HIV Stigma in HIV-positive Individuals Diagnosed with Cancer (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)

Background
The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) to support pilot/exploratory research focused on the intersection of cancer stigma and HIV stigma among people with HIV (PWH) diagnosed with cancer.

The goal is to enhance understanding of how these stigmas converge and affect cancer outcomes, while promoting stigma reduction interventions across various levels in both domestic and international contexts, particularly in regions with high HIV-cancer burdens.

Grant Details
The RFA-CA-25-012 aims to support research that:
1) Expands understanding of the confluence of cancer stigma and HIV stigma among PWH diagnosed with cancer;
2) Assesses the impact of these stigmas on cancer outcomes;
3) Leverages stigma reduction interventions at multiple levels to address modifiable mechanisms contributing to negative outcomes;
4) Promotes research in both domestic and international contexts, especially in areas with elevated HIV-cancer burdens.

Research objectives include developing measurements for stigma mechanisms, conducting longitudinal studies on cumulative impacts, examining intersections with other identity-based stigmas, and evaluating stigma reduction interventions. Applications must focus on the interaction between HIV stigma and cancer stigma, including relevant identity-based factors.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include higher education institutions (public or private), nonprofits, for-profit organizations, local/state governments, tribal governments, foreign organizations, and others.

Special encouragement is given to institutions serving underrepresented groups such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic-serving Institutions. Investigators from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Period of Performance
The maximum project period is 2 years. Applications may request up to $275,000 in direct costs over this period, with no more than $200,000 requested in any single year.

Grant Value
NCI intends to commit a total of $1 million for FY 2025 to fund up to 3 awards under this opportunity.

Place of Performance
Research should focus on regions where the HIV-cancer burden is particularly high, including areas within the southern U.S., major U.S. cities, African countries, and Southeast Asia.