Deadline: 11-Dec-2025
The Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation is now available to support groundbreaking studies focused on cancer prevention and interception for individuals with RUNX1-Familial Platelet Disorder (RUNX1-FPD).
This inherited condition places affected children and their family members at a significantly increased risk of developing blood cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies. The grant seeks to fund projects that will identify druggable oncogenic pathways and contribute to the development of targeted therapies aimed at halting disease progression before it begins.
The scope of the proposal encourages research into the role of clonal hematopoiesis in the context of germline RUNX1 mutations. Understanding how specific somatic mutations interact with inherited variants of the RUNX1 gene is essential to uncovering the mechanisms behind clonal expansion and eventual malignancy. This knowledge could pave the way for discovering therapeutic vulnerabilities that may be exploited to prevent disease development.
Another key focus is on determining whether emerging cellular clones are adaptive, maladaptive, or context-dependent. Differentiating between protective and harmful clones will be critical in guiding therapeutic strategies, ensuring that interventions are both effective and safe. Targeting the wrong clones could lead to unintended consequences, so this area of research holds particular importance in designing precision medicine approaches.
The grant also supports investigations into how pre-malignant clones resist or adapt to inflammation. By studying the ways in which these clones evade immune pressure or manipulate the inflammatory environment, researchers may uncover novel methods to delay or even prevent the onset of cancer. Modulating inflammation could become a promising strategy in stopping disease progression at an early stage.
Applicants may request a total of up to $250,000 in direct costs over a two-year period, with a maximum of $125,000 per year. Budgets must be proportional to the scope of the proposed research. Continued funding is contingent upon demonstration of progress through interim and annual reporting. Investigators will also be expected to share their findings at the annual RUNX1 Research Program scientific meeting.
This opportunity represents a significant investment in the future of cancer prevention science, particularly for families affected by RUNX1-FPD. By supporting innovative and focused research, the grant aims to advance understanding of disease mechanisms and drive the development of meaningful interventions for those at elevated genetic risk.
For more information, visit ALSF.
