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LUNGevity and Rising Tide Foundation Unite to Combat Lung Cancer

The Call for Research Proposals

On January 15, 2026, the LUNGevity Foundation, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to lung cancer research, in collaboration with the Rising Tide Foundation for Clinical Cancer Research (RTFCCR), issued a call for innovative research proposals targeting two critical challenges in lung cancer care: drug resistance and the early detection of cancer recurrence. With lung cancer being the foremost cause of cancer-related deaths in both the United States and globally, addressing these issues is of utmost importance.

Despite advancements in targeted therapies and immunotherapy, many patients continue to experience treatment resistance or tumor growth even after receiving initial effective treatment. Dr. Upal Basu Roy, Executive Director of LUNGevity Research, emphasized the lack of tools for early detection of drug resistance. He pointed out that if doctors could identify resistance early on, they could modify treatment approaches to potentially keep the cancer under control for longer durations.

Funding for New Research Initiatives

To address these unmet needs, the strategic initiative known as the RTFCCR/LUNGevity Award is established, which aims to provide funding of up to $1 million per project over a span of four years. This funding will support clinical trials that can transform scientific discoveries into effective diagnostics and treatment options that provide tangible benefits to lung cancer patients. This initiative builds upon the foundation of previous collaborations that focused on improving early detection methods for lung cancer.

Dr. Karolina Werynska, the Scientific Program Manager at RTFCCR, stated that their partnership with LUNGevity continues the tradition of funding innovative clinical research that is centered on patient needs – research intended to significantly alter lung cancer survivorship. She expressed excitement for the prospective ideas that researchers may propose within this collaborative framework.

Aim for Patient-Centered Solutions

Both LUNGevity and RTFCCR place a high priority on patient-centered care. Consequently, applications that attain funding will be required to demonstrate a patient-centered design, which could involve engaging patient advocates or relevant organizations from the very beginning of the project.

Furthermore, the successful applications must address one of the three outlined areas: treatments for resistance, validation of laboratory-developed tests for monitoring treatment responses or resistance, or tests aimed at detecting minimal residual disease. Researchers interested in applying for this funding can find additional details on the application portal; the deadline for submission is February 15, 2026.

Understanding the Impact of Lung Cancer in the US

According to recent statistics, approximately 1 in every 18 Americans will receive a lung cancer diagnosis at some point in their lives. Over 226,000 new cases of lung cancer are expected to be diagnosed in the US this year, highlighting the urgency and relevance of this research initiative. Alarmingly, about 65% of lung cancer diagnoses occur in individuals with little to no history of tobacco usage, underscoring the necessity for early detection and innovative treatment strategies for all demographics.

LUNGevity’s mission transcends mere research; it encompasses a holistic approach aiming to improve the quality of life and survivorship for individuals grappling with lung cancer while advocating for health equity across various treatment stages. Their programs include comprehensive resources such as a patient-centered website, specific Patient Gateways for distinct lung cancer types, personalized assistance through a HELPLine, survivor conferences, and tools to locate clinical trials—all designed to foster a vision of a world where lung cancer ceases to be a fatal diagnosis.

Conclusion

Through this collaborative endeavor, LUNGevity and the Rising Tide Foundation aspire to empower researchers to devise innovative solutions for overcoming the challenges of drug resistance and recurrence in lung cancer patients. With a commitment to patient-centered care and supporting clinical research, they aim to provide timely outcomes that resonate with and significantly improve the lives of those impacted by this illness.