Notice Number: NOT-CA-05-018

Key Dates
Release Date: May 16, 2005

Issued by
National Cancer Institute (NCI), (http://www.nci.nih.gov)

This Notice is to indicate NCI's addition as a co-sponsor of Program Announcement PA-05-054 (http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-05-054.html).

The NCI encourages the submission of applications to study basic biobehavioral processes related to immune-to-central nervous system (CNS) interactions in cancer. Cancer and cancer treatments (e.g., radiotherapy and chemotherapy) often result in patients experiencing debilitating symptoms such as pain, gastrointestinal distress, wasting/cachexia, fatigue, cognitive impairments, anxiety, and depression. These symptoms and their underlying causes exert significant impacts on disease course, treatment effectiveness, and the quality of life of cancer patients. There is growing evidence these symptoms share common biological mechanisms. Cytokines, readily produced in the tumor microenvironment and capable of immune-to-CNS communication, are recognized to be the central mediators of cancer-related sickness behaviors. However, further understanding of how cytokines and other neuroimmune molecules act on the CNS to influence the patient's cancer experience is needed. For example, elucidation of the mechanisms by which cytokines and neurotransmitters act in concert to induce mood and cognitive alterations is timely. The development of relevant animal models is encouraged.

Inquiries

Direct your questions regarding NCI's scientific/programmatic interests to:

Paige McDonald, Ph.D.
Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences
National Cancer Institute
6130 Executive Boulevard, EPN 4065, MSC 7344
Bethesda, MD 20892-7344
Phone: 301-435-5037
FAX: 301-435-7547
E-mail: mcdonalp@mail.nih.gov

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