LCRF Award on Advancing Breakthroughs in ALK-Positive Lung Cancer 2026

Deadline: 15-Jul-26

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) is accepting applications for research projects that advance the understanding of ALK-positive lung cancer and develop innovative treatment strategies beyond current therapies. The grant provides up to $300,000 over two years to support translational research investigating tumor biology, treatment resistance, metastasis, the tumor microenvironment, and novel therapeutic approaches.

About the Lung Cancer Research Foundation ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Research Grant

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF) has launched a funding opportunity to support innovative research focused on ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) rearrangements as drivers of lung cancer and the development of new treatment strategies for patients with ALK-positive lung cancer.

The program encourages translational research that improves understanding of disease progression, treatment resistance, tumor biology, and emerging therapeutic approaches. Researchers are invited to explore scientific questions that can ultimately improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients living with ALK-positive lung cancer.

The initiative supports projects that bridge laboratory discoveries and clinical application, accelerating the development of more effective precision medicine approaches.

Program Objectives

The grant aims to:

• Improve understanding of ALK-positive lung cancer biology.
• Identify mechanisms responsible for disease progression.
• Investigate treatment resistance and tumor persistence.
• Advance translational cancer research.
• Develop innovative therapies beyond current targeted treatments.
• Improve patient outcomes through precision oncology.
• Support collaborative and patient-centered cancer research.

Research Priority Areas

Projects should address one or more of the following research priorities.

Early Disease Progression and Metastasis

Research may include:

• Understanding why some ALK-positive lung cancers progress rapidly.
• Investigating metastatic disease patterns.
• Studying leptomeningeal disease.
• Exploring mechanisms of tumor persistence.
• Investigating persister cells and residual disease.

ALK Variants and Co-Mutations

Researchers are encouraged to study:

• The impact of ALK variants on treatment response.
• Co-mutations such as MET and their role in tumor biology.
• Mechanisms of drug resistance.
• Differences in clinical outcomes among ALK variants.

Tumor Microenvironment

Projects may focus on:

• Immune system interactions.
• Immune microenvironment modulation.
• Reprogramming immune responses.
• Improving immune recognition of tumors.
• Strategies to enhance immunotherapy effectiveness.

Metabolic Vulnerabilities

Research areas include:

• Metabolic pathways essential for tumor survival.
• Novel therapeutic targets.
• Strategies that increase treatment sensitivity.
• Improving anti-tumor immune responses through metabolic interventions.

Novel Therapeutic Approaches

The grant supports development of therapies beyond traditional tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), including:

• Cancer vaccines.
• Cell-based therapies.
• Immunotherapies.
• Precision medicine approaches.
• Other innovative treatment strategies.

Funding Information

The grant provides substantial support for translational cancer research.

Funding details include:

• Maximum grant amount: $300,000
• Project duration: 2 years
• Maximum annual funding: Up to $150,000 per year

At least 50% of the total grant funding must support scientific translational research directly associated with the proposed project.

Eligible Expenses

Funding may be used for:

• Research personnel salaries.
• Scientific research activities.
• Laboratory supplies.
• Limited equipment directly related to the project.
• Travel associated with the research.
• Publication costs.
• Translational research activities.

Ineligible Expenses

The grant does not support:

• Institutional indirect costs.
• Facilities and administrative (F&A) costs.
• Overlapping salary support from another active LCRF grant.

Who is Eligible?

Applications are welcomed from researchers at any career stage.

Eligible applicants include researchers affiliated with:

• Non-profit academic institutions.
• Non-profit research institutions.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

• Applicants may be based in the United States or internationally.
• Citizenship or residency restrictions do not apply.
• Industry collaborators may participate in research teams.
• Applicants must not receive overlapping funding or salary support from another active LCRF grant.
• Only one application per funding track is permitted during the grant cycle.

Research Team Requirements

If invited to submit a full proposal:

• The research team must include a patient or patient advocate involved in the research design.
• Research teams cannot be changed after submission of the full application.

The Letter of Intent (LOI) must include:

• NIH biosketch for the Principal Investigator.
• NIH biosketches for co-investigators.
• NIH biosketches for project team members.
• A CV may be submitted for the patient or patient advocate if an NIH biosketch is unavailable.

Why This Grant Matters

ALK-positive lung cancer represents a distinct subtype of non-small cell lung cancer that often responds well to targeted therapies initially but can eventually develop resistance. Continued research is essential to better understand tumor evolution, identify new therapeutic targets, and improve long-term survival.

By supporting translational research, this grant accelerates the development of innovative treatments that move promising scientific discoveries closer to clinical application and patient care.

How to Apply

Applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the grant guidelines and eligibility requirements.
2. Develop a research proposal aligned with one or more priority areas.
3. Assemble the research team, including collaborators where appropriate.
4. Prepare a Letter of Intent (LOI).
5. Include NIH biosketches for the Principal Investigator, co-investigators, and research team members.
6. Include a CV for the patient advocate if an NIH biosketch is unavailable.
7. Submit the LOI according to the application instructions.
8. If invited, prepare and submit the full proposal with the required patient advocate involvement.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the scientific significance of the proposed research.
• Demonstrate strong translational potential.
• Include measurable research objectives and milestones.
• Show how the project addresses unmet clinical needs.
• Build a multidisciplinary research team.
• Integrate meaningful patient involvement into the research design.
• Present a realistic timeline and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting research outside the priority areas.
• Allocating less than half of the funding to translational research.
• Applying to more than one LCRF funding track.
• Omitting required NIH biosketches.
• Proposing overlapping funding with another active LCRF grant.
• Attempting to change the research team after full proposal submission.
• Excluding patient or patient advocate participation from the full proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for this grant?

Researchers affiliated with non-profit academic or research institutions worldwide are eligible. Researchers at any career stage may apply.

How much funding is available?

The grant provides up to $300,000 over two years, with a maximum of $150,000 per year.

What research topics are supported?

Projects focusing on ALK-positive lung cancer biology, disease progression, metastasis, treatment resistance, tumor microenvironment, metabolic vulnerabilities, and novel therapies are eligible.

Can international researchers apply?

Yes. Applications are accepted from both U.S.-based and international institutions regardless of nationality or residency.

Are industry collaborators allowed?

Yes. Industry collaborators may participate, but the Principal Investigator must be affiliated with a non-profit academic or research institution.

Is patient involvement required?

Yes. If invited to submit a full proposal, the research team must include a patient or patient advocate involved in the research design.

Can indirect costs be included in the budget?

No. Institutional indirect costs and facilities and administrative expenses are not supported.

Conclusion

The Lung Cancer Research Foundation ALK-Positive Lung Cancer Research Grant provides a valuable opportunity for researchers worldwide to advance the understanding and treatment of ALK-positive lung cancer. With funding of up to $300,000 over two years, the program supports innovative translational research that addresses disease progression, treatment resistance, and the development of next-generation therapies capable of improving outcomes for patients with this challenging form of lung cancer.

For more information, visit LCRF.