ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge

The ASTRO-AstraZeneca SCLC Therapy Challenge seeks to advance clinical research in the treatment of limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC). This challenge is sponsored by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in collaboration with AstraZeneca, with the goal of promoting leadership in radiation oncology by encouraging research on multimodality therapies that integrate immunotherapy and advanced radiation techniques. This initiative invites research proposals that explore how outcomes for LS-SCLC patients can be improved through novel combinations of immunotherapy and concurrent chemo-radiation (cCRT). Key areas of interest include optimizing clinical workflows for cCRT with IO, identifying predictive biomarkers, understanding disease relapse patterns, assessing the safety and management of treatment-related toxicities, and leveraging advanced radiation approaches like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and hypofractionation. Investigators are also encouraged to use artificial intelligence tools to enhance detection and anticipate treatment complications such as pneumonitis. Proposals may encompass a range of clinical and translational research aims, such as progression-free survival and biomarker discovery, as well as studies involving patient-reported outcomes and adverse event profiles. However, proposals that focus on extensive-stage SCLC, tumor types other than LS-SCLC, or research conducted outside the United States will not be considered. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions such as higher education entities, nonprofit organizations, and community cancer centers. The total funding pool for this challenge is up to $750,000, which will be allocated across two to four projects based on scientific merit and available funding. Project budgets may range from $175,000 to $375,000, inclusive of both direct and indirect costs. Indirect costs are permitted at a rate of up to 25% of the total budget. Applications must be submitted via the ASTRO Proposal Central Portal by April 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern time. A kick-off webinar led by Percy Lee, MD, FASTRO, was held on January 31, 2025, to provide additional context. An FAQ document is available for prospective applicants seeking further clarification.

If a proposal is recommended by the ASTRO Challenge Judging Panel, the applicant's institution must enter into a written grant agreement with AstraZeneca. It is important to note that AstraZeneca does not negotiate grant agreements, so applicants must ensure their institution can comply with the terms before applying.