Description
The fiscal year 2026 (FY26) Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) Idea Award (IA) supports innovative, untested, high-risk/potentially high-reward concepts, theories, paradigms, and/or basic cancer research. The program aims to advance knowledge in cancer research, patient care, and treatment options in the Military Health System (MHS) and address the health care needs of Service Members, Veterans, and their Families. The proposed project should demonstrate creative thinking and innovation, and the research should be relevant to military health and mission readiness. Some key areas of focus include:
• Developing new, less toxic therapies
• Improving methods for early detection, prognostic evaluation, and therapeutic stratification
• Investigating the role of cancer stem cells and the tumor microenvironment in the development of blood cancers
• Developing strategies to minimize and mitigate treatment toxicities
• Improving quality of life for survivors and/or caregivers
The program has a budget of $18.0M to fund approximately 30 Idea Award applications, with a maximum period of performance of 2 years.