Biology of Lung, and Head and Neck Preneoplasias (R21) | PA 17 460

Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 17 460

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Biology of Lung, and Head and Neck Preneoplasias (R21)" (Funding Opportunity Number: PA-17-460) supports early-stage, exploratory research aimed at understanding how preneoplastic changes arise and progress toward invasive cancers in the lung and the head and neck (HN) region. The central focus is on the mechanistic and biological underpinnings of preneoplasia within the aerodigestive epithelial field, where early molecular injury and alterations can be detected, but where the actual drivers of initiation and progression are still not well defined. The FOA is positioned around the idea that even though cancer therapies and molecular profiling of established tumors have improved, lung and head and neck cancers remain major causes of illness and death, and prevention or earlier interception depends on clarifying what happens before invasive cancer develops.

This announcement emphasizes the gap between identifying early markers of epithelial damage and understanding the functional molecular mechanisms that cause preneoplastic lesions to form, persist, and evolve into malignant disease. In practical terms, the NIH is seeking projects that move beyond cataloging biomarkers and instead investigate cause-and-effect biology: which molecular changes are necessary for preneoplasia to begin, which pathways sustain abnormal growth or dysplasia, what promotes progression, and what factors might restrain or reverse these early lesions. The intended payoff is a clearer, experimentally grounded picture of oncogenic progression in these tissues, which can directly inform new strategies for cancer prevention, risk stratification, early detection, and potentially therapeutic intervention at a stage when disease may still be reversible or more manageable.

The mechanism is an R21 grant, which is typically used for exploratory and developmental research that can open new lines of investigation, generate proof-of-concept data, or test novel hypotheses and approaches. The opportunity is categorized as discretionary funding and is listed under Education and Health activities, with CFDA number 93.396. The award ceiling is noted as $200,000, indicating the maximum funding level for an individual award under this opportunity as provided in the source information.

Eligibility is broad and includes many types of domestic organizations and institutions, reflecting an intent to encourage diverse participation across research, academic, governmental, and community settings. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township governments, special district governments, and independent school districts, as well as public and state-controlled and private institutions of higher education. It also includes Native American tribal governments (federally recognized) and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), along with public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities. Nonprofit organizations are eligible whether or not they have 501(c)(3) status, and both for-profit organizations (other than small businesses) and small businesses may apply. The FOA also explicitly calls out additional eligible groups such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs). It further includes eligible federal agencies, faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, and non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities (foreign organizations), which signals openness to international collaboration or research efforts where appropriate.

The opportunity was created on 2017-08-16, with an original closing date listed as 2021-01-07 in the provided source data. Overall, the FOA is designed to accelerate progress in a particularly challenging part of the cancer research continuum: the transition from early epithelial injury and preneoplastic change to frank malignancy in lung and head and neck tissues. By funding mechanistic studies of these early events, the NIH aims to build the knowledge base needed for more effective, biology-driven prevention and early intervention strategies for two cancer types that continue to present significant public health burdens.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Biology of Lung, and Head and Neck Preneoplasias (R21)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.396.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-08-16.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

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