Systematic Testing of Radionuclides in Preclinical Experiments (STRIPE, RP1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), a key component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the principal federal agency for cancer research and training. Through this forecasted Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) PAR-26-129, titled "Systematic Testing of Radionuclides in Preclinical Experiments (STRIPE, RP1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)," the NCI continues its commitment to advancing cutting-edge research in cancer treatment and diagnostics. This initiative reflects the agency’s strategic priority to better understand and utilize radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT) in cancer care by supporting mechanistic studies on the biological effects of radionuclide-emitted radiation in preclinical models. The purpose of the STRIPE program is to stimulate innovative, multidisciplinary research that brings together cancer biology, radiation biology, radiochemistry, imaging, dosimetry, and preclinical modeling. The overarching objective is to generate fundamental insights into how various types of radiation from radiopharmaceuticals impact normal and tumor tissues as well as the tumor microenvironment. These insights are expected to lay the groundwork for optimizing treatment regimens and developing novel targeting and combination strategies, ultimately enabling more precise and effective anticancer therapies. Applicants will be expected to utilize state-of-the-art approaches in cancer biology and appropriate preclinical model systems. The scope includes both exploratory/developmental research projects of up to two years and more comprehensive research projects of four to five years. By consolidating previous funding mechanisms, this NOFO aims to reduce administrative burden, broaden participation from cancer biology investigators, and accelerate the production of high-quality, reproducible, and mechanistically informed research outputs. The program does not allow clinical trials and focuses solely on preclinical experimentation. Eligible costs would generally include those necessary for conducting mechanistic studies, such as research personnel, equipment, and preclinical models. However, the funding announcement does not provide specific details about allowable or restricted uses of funds beyond its focus on research aims. Eligibility for this grant opportunity is broad, including state, local, and tribal governments; public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status; for-profit organizations; small businesses; and foreign institutions. Faith-based and community-based organizations, regional organizations, and U.S. territories are also eligible, in alignment with NIH’s inclusive funding policies. There are no cost-sharing or matching requirements indicated for this funding opportunity. The estimated timeline sets the application due date as October 5, 2026, with awards expected by July 1, 2027. The same date also marks the estimated project start. The forecasted post date is June 15, 2026. Although pre-application materials like Letters of Intent are not specified, all application materials must be submitted through Grants.gov once the opportunity becomes active. Key contacts for inquiries include the STRIPE-Program at NCI, accessible via email at [email protected] or by phone at 240-276-5690.