Innovative Research in Cancer Nanotechnology (IRCN; R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is encouraging applications that promote transformative discoveries in cancer biology and/or oncology through the use of nanotechnology. The proposed projects should address major barriers in cancer biology and/or oncology using nanotechnology, emphasizing mechanistic studies toward a fundamental understanding of nanomaterial and/or nanodevice interactions with biological systems. These studies should focus on the delivery of nanoparticles and/or nano-devices to desired and intended cancer targets in vivo and/or characterization of detection and diagnostic devices in vitro. Key aspects of this opportunity include: • The use of nanotechnology to address major barriers in cancer biology and/or oncology • Emphasis on mechanistic studies to understand nanomaterial and/or nanodevice interactions with biological systems • Focus on the delivery of nanoparticles and/or nano-devices to desired and intended cancer targets in vivo • Characterization of detection and diagnostic devices in vitro • Expected outcomes include the production of fundamental knowledge to aid future development of nanotechnology-based cancer interventions.