A joint research initiative between the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

KLCR Supported Programs

 

In 2000, the Kentucky General Assembly established the Lung Cancer Research Fund. This 20-year initiative provides a collaborative focus for the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville directed toward national recognition as leaders in lung cancer research.  The Governance Board allocates research funds to the universities to accelerate the science associated with reducing morbidity and mortality from lung cancer. 

The KLCR Program granting initiative announces at least annually a new cycle for pilot study applications in lung cancer.  Beginning in October 2001, grants have been funded through 9 of these cycles.

Cycle 10 Timeline:

  • Letter of Intent Due Date: April 26, 2010
  • Application Due Date: June 15, 2010
  • Governance Board Award Date:  September, 2010
  • Start Date:  October 1, 2010
  • End Date:  September 30, 2012

Awarded Pilot study grants focus on lung cancer in the areas of science listed below:

Awards go to:

  • New researchers who demonstrate promise and have a supportive environment for their work
  • Established and productive researchers who apply their prior work to lung cancer research
  • Novel ideas in order to develop pilot data
  • Collaborative research between investigators at the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville

Research designs:  Priority is given to translational and clinical projects.

Basic research

  • Molecular and cell biology research exploring the mechanisms of lung cancer etiology represent basic science

Translational research (Refer to SPORE definition)

  • Translational research projects are investigations relevant to clinical cancer issues ideally planned and conducted by multidisciplinary teams. 
  • Pre-clinical (laboratory or nude mouse) studies of the biology of human tumors from individual patients, not established cell lines, is an essential aspect of translational research
  • Clinical research without correlative science projects does not represent translational research.
  • Examples—

Laboratory assessment of patients and/or tumors that determine biological endpoints associated with

  • Cancer susceptibility
  • Prognosis
  • Response to treatment (including target validation)
  • Response to prevention
  • Predictors of treatment-related toxicity

Translational design applications must include a ‘bridging’ statement that clarifies the translational nature of the study.  This statement should describe the connections between basic science and prevention, diagnosis, or treatment activities proposed in the application.  How does the study connect basic science to prevention, diagnosis or treatment?  This statement should describe how the proposed project would enhance the candidate's capabilities in clinical science if she is a basic scientist or in basic science if he were a clinician or epidemiologist.

Clinical research

  • Cancer clinical trials are sanctioned experiments typically involving a drug-agent or medical device with the aim of ascertaining its value in the treatment of cancer.

Psychosocial/behavioral investigations

  • Psychosocial research is the study of social aspects of health, disease, treatment, and/or rehabilitation.

Population-based epidemiological research

  • Epidemiology is the study of diseases in populations by collecting and analyzing statistical data.  In the field of cancer, epidemiologists look at how many people have cancer; who gets specific types of cancer; and what factors (such as environment, job hazards, family patterns, and personal habits, such as smoking and diet) play a part in the development of cancer.

 

 
© 2007 Kentucky Lung Cancer Research Program