Subject: RFA CA-9l-02 NIH Guide l0/5/90
From: Dot Baker <[email-masked]>
To: [email-masked]
Date: Wed, 03 Oct 90 15:24 EST

Hello Paul,
  Please post this to the NIH Listserver as:
      RFACA-91-02.100590
Thanks.   This is the first of three items coming to you today.
                Dottie
 ---------------------------- Text of forwarded message -----------------------
 
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CANCER IN U.S. ETHNIC/MINORITY POPULATIONS
 
RFA Available: CA-91-02
 
P.T. 34, FF; K.W. 0715035, 0785055, 1002019, 0411005
 
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
 
Letter of Intent Receipt Date:  January 15, 1991
Application Receipt Date:  February 15, 1991
 
INTRODUCTION
 
The Division of Cancer Etiology of the National Cancer
Institute (NCI) invites grant applications for epidemiologic studies
of possible causes of cancer in U.S. ethnic/minority
populations.
 
PURPOSE
 
The racial and ethnic diversity of the U.S. population offers a
challenging opportunity for epidemiologic studies of cancer
etiology.  Cancer incidence rates, as reported by numerous
population-based registries, vary strikingly across population
subgroups.  The wide spectrum of variability in risk for
certain cancer sites (viz. stomach, prostate, multiple myeloma)
suggests a particular need for analytic, cross-cultural
studies.  Factors representing a common denominator of risk or
of protection may become identifiable for certain ethnic
groups.  In addition, underlying pathogenetic mechanisms may be
hypothesized and tested.
 
Epidemiologic studies have provided clues on the influence of
environmental exposures and cultural/lifestyle factors in
cancer causation.  However, the specific role of dietary
practices and nutritional status in host susceptibility needs
to be clarified.  It is also unknown whether dietary
interactions with other exposures, such as cigarette smoke or
occupational substances, influence cancer development.
 
There is an increasing awareness of the genetic heterogeneity
present within racial and ethnic subgroups.  An example is the
mix of ancestry among Hispanic individuals derived from Mexico,
South or Central America, and the Caribbean areas.  These groups
may vary significantly in environmental exposures and gene-
environmental interactions, and provide opportunities for a
better understanding of cancer risk factors.
 
RESEARCH GOALS AND SCOPE
 
The purpose of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to
stimulate analytical, site-
specific studies of cancer etiology in ethnic/minority
populations of the United States.  Research strategies may
involve cohort, case-control, or genetic epidemiology designs,
as well as laboratory methodology.  Innovative approaches that
involve new inter-disciplinary collaboration, or include the
application of diagnostic or exposure measurements, are
particularly encouraged.  Whenever possible, studies should
make cost-efficient use of existing resources such as
population-based cancer registries or specimen repositories.
Emphasis should be placed on etiologic studies of the more
common cancers affecting the U.S. population, or on cancer
sites with rising incidence rates.  Projects will be evaluated
on their potential for impact on the overall understanding of
cancer etiology and means of prevention.
 
The initiative permits a wide range of epidemiologic
investigations of cancer in U.S. ethnic/minority populations
including, but not limited to, the following:
 
o  Cross-cultural studies of cancers with striking ethnic
disparities in incidence rates, among groups residing in the
same or different geographic areas, to identify more
specifically the etiologic factors, and to study their
relationship with biomarkers of exposure.
 
o  Analytic studies of specific cancer sites to determine the
impact of age-specific changes in exposures over time, due to
waves of migration within the U.S. as well as from other
countries, and/or to secular changes in lifestyle, occupation,
and environment.
 
o  Studies among Hispanics with special consideration given to
the subgroups within the population.
 
o  Studies of ethnic differences in the histologic and
cytologic parameters of particular cancers that may reflect
differences in exposures or susceptibility.
 
o  Meta-analysis of previous studies to further refine known
associations or yield new information on risk factors.
 
o  Studies addressing methodological issues related to the
heterogeneity of ethnic groups, especially dietary and genetic
parameters.
 
o  Molecular epidemiologic studies exploring differences in
genetic predisposition to cancer due to variations in
carcinogen metabolism, DNA repair activities, response to tumor
promoters, measures of immune function, chromosome sensitivity
to mutagens, or other factors.
 
o  Genetic epidemiologic studies of polymorphisms associated
with ethnic differences in cancer risk.
 
In any studies involving human subjects, where feasible
and appropriate, women must be included in the study
population; otherwise a clear rationale for their exclusion
must be provided in the application.  Minority institutions
encouraged to apply, and other institutions are
encouraged to establish collaborative arrangements with
minority institutions.
 
MECHANISM OF SUPPORT
 
This program will be supported through the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) traditional research project grant (R01).
Responsibility for the planning, direction, and execution of
the proposed research will be solely that of the applicant.
Awards will be administered under Public Health Service grants
policy as stated in the PHS Grants Policy Statement, DHHS
Publication No. (OASH) 82-50,000 revised January 1, l987.
 
This RFA is a one-time solicitation.  The total project period
for applications submitted in response to the present RFA
should not exceed five years.  The intent is to fund several
individual research project grants.  Approximately $2.0 million
in total costs will be committed for the first year to
specifically fund applications that are submitted in response
to this RFA.  This funding level is dependent on the receipt of
a sufficient number of applications of high scientific merit.
Although this program is provided for in the financial plans of
the NCI, the award of grants pursuant to
this RFA is also contingent upon the availability of funds for
this purpose.  Non-profit and for-profit and foreign and
domestic institutions are eligible to apply.
 
Competitive continuation applications will compete with all
other unsolicited applications and be reviewed by a standing
Division of Research Grants study section.  However, should the
NCI determine that there is a sufficient continuing program
need, NCI may announce a request for renewal applications.
 
REVIEW PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA
 
Review Procedures:  Upon receipt, applications will be reviewed
initially by the Division of Research Grants (DRG) for
completeness.  Incomplete applications will be returned to the
applicant without further consideration.  Preliminary
evaluation for responsiveness to the RFA is an NCI program
staff function.  If an application is judged to be
nonresponsive, the applicant will be contacted and given an
opportunity to have it considered along with other unsolicited
grant applications received by NIH for this cycle.
 
Proposals responsive to this solicitation will be reviewed by
an appropriate review group convened by the Division of
Extramural Activities, NCI.  The initial review will be for
scientific merit.  The second level of review by the National
Cancer Advisory Board considers the special needs of the
Institute and the priorities of the National Cancer Program.
 
Review Criteria:  Applications should be responsive to the RFA
and, therefore, relevant to the program goals of the NCI.
Those factors considered to be important for
review include a demonstrated knowledge of the applicable
science, adequacy of facilities and personnel commitment,
availability of subject populations and in-depth knowledge of
the state-of-the-art to which the RFA is directed.  The
application will be judged upon the overall scientific merit,
adequacy of methodology, facilities and resources, commitment
of time and cost effectiveness of proposal, and quality of
collaborations.
 
METHOD OF APPLYING
 
Applications must be submitted on form PHS-398, revised 10/88,
available at most institutional business offices, or from the
Office of Grants Inquiries, Division of Research Grants, NIH,
Room 449, Westwood Building, 5333 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda,
Maryland 20892.  The format and instructions applicable to
regular research grant applications should be followed.
 
The RFA label available in the 10/88 revision of Application
Form 398 must be affixed to the bottom of the face page.
Failure to use this label could result in delayed processing of
your application such that it may not reach the review
committee in time for review.  In addition, the number and
title of the RFA should be typed on line 2 of the face page of
the application and YES must be checked.
 
Submit a signed, typewritten original of the application,
including the Checklist, and four (4) signed, exact
photocopies, in one package to the Division of Research Grants
at the address below.  The photocopies must be clear and single
sided.
 
DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 240
Bethesda, MD  20892**
 
At time of submission, two (2) additional copies of the
application should also be sent to:
 
REFERRAL OFFICER
Division of Extramural Activities
National Cancer Institute
Westwood Building, Room 838
5333 Westbard Avenue
Bethesda, MD  20892
 
Applications must be received by February 15, l991.  If an
application is received after that date, it will be returned.
If the application submitted in response to this RFA is
substantially similar to a research grant application already
submitted to the NIH for review, but has not yet been
reviewed, the applicant will be asked to withdraw either the
pending application or the new one.  Simultaneous submission of
identical applications will not be allowed, nor will
essentially identical applications be reviewed by different
review committees.  Therefore, an application cannot be
submitted in response to this RFA which is essentially
identical to one that has already been reviewed.  This does not
preclude the submission of substantial revisions of
applications already reviewed, but such applications must
include an Introduction addressing the previous critique.
 
Letter of Intent
 
Prospective applicants are requested to submit, by January 15,
1991, a letter of intent that includes a descriptive title of
the proposed research, the name and address of the principal
investigator, the names of other key personnel, the
participating institutions, and the number and title of the RFA
in response to which the application is being submitted.
 
Although a letter of intent is not required, is not binding,
and does not enter into the review of subsequent applications,
it allows NCI staff to estimate the potential review workload.
The letter of intent should be sent to:
 
Dr. A. R. Patel
Extramural Programs Branch
Epidemiology and Biostatistics Program
Division of Cancer Etiology
National Cancer Institute
Executive Plaza North, Suite 535
Rockville, MD  20892
Telephone:  (301) 496-9600
 
INQUIRIES
 
Written or telephone inquiries concerning the objectives and
scope of this RFA or inquiries about whether or not specific
proposed research would be responsive are encouraged and should
be directed to Dr. A. R. Patel at the above address.
 
THE MAILING ADDRESS GIVEN FOR SENDING APPLICATIONS TO THE
DIVISION OF RESEARCH GRANTS OR CONTACTING PROGRAM STAFF IN THE
WESTWOOD BUILDING IS THE CENTRAL MAILING ADDRESS FOR THE
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH.  APPLICANTS WHO USE EXPRESS MAIL
OR A COURIER SERVICE ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE CARRIER'S
REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOWING A STREET ADDRESS.  THE ADDRESS OF THE
WESTWOOD BUILDING IS 5333 WESTBARD AVENUE, BETHESDA, MARYLAND
20816.
 
This program is described in the Catalog of Federal Domestic
Assistance No. 93.393, Cancer Cause and Prevention Research.
Awards are under authorization of the Public Health Service
Act, Section 301(c) and Section 402 (Public Law 78-410, as
amended; 42 USC 241; 42 USC 282) and administered under PHS
grant policies and Federal regulations 42 CFR Part 52 and 45
CFR Part 74.  This program is not subject to the
intergovernmental review requirements of Executive Order 12372
or Health Systems Agency review.