Utilizing Cohort Studies to Address Health Outcomes in Cancer Survivors (UG3/UH3 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), the NCI invites applications to support research in new and innovative cohort studies that identify clinical, lifestyle, genomic, and other factors that affect health outcomes (e.g., morbidity, mortality, quality of life, physical, social, and psychological outcomes) in cancer survivors. This RFA supports research that requires the creation of a new prospective cohort study of cancer survivors that addresses a gap in knowledge pertaining to the health of cancer survivors. Proposals must identify the scientific gap that the study addresses, which may include emerging treatments, less common cancer sites, and/or other understudied populations of cancer survivors with disparities. Sample size and proposed data collection must be driven by the scientific questions proposed and include information from the following five domains: 1) disease characteristics (e.g., type, stage), 2) individual survivor characteristics (e.g., comorbidities, SES, social connections, access to care measures), 3) treatment, treatment-related effects, and follow-up care (e.g. dose, adverse events, palliative care), 4) behavioral and lifestyle factors (e.g., diet, physical activity) and 5) quality of life outcomes (health related quality of life). These domains may represent exposures and/or outcomes, depending on the research questions, and should be measured at multiple timepoints, when appropriate. The UG3 Planning-Exploratory Phase focused on recruitment and data collection/utilization, and the UH3 Implementation Phase focused on completing the research agenda. Milestones to be accomplished in the UG3 phase for transition to the UH3 will be proposed by the PI, with approval by NCI, and must include a timeline for recruitment and show feasibility for data collection and analysis. Recruitment is not required to be completed in the UG3 phase, but reasonable progress should be demonstrated so that all aims will be completed in the UH3 phase.