Co-infection and Cancer (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

This Grant, titled "Co-infection and Cancer" does not incorporate clinical trials. Its aim is to promote investigations in two key areas: the mechanisms of co-infections and their role in cancer, and the epidemiological aspects of co-infection and cancer. The central focus is to uncover undisclosed routes of cancer development, offering a deeper understanding that can lead to improved prevention and treatment tactics for cancers linked to infections.

The term 'co-infection' refers to the simultaneous or sequential presence of two or more infectious agents which could either be pathogenic or non-pathogenic. Such infections could be acute or chronic and can encompass a range of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, etc.

Preference will be provided to research undertakings that delve into co-infections associated with known cancer-causing agents, barring the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Investigations into co-infections that present unique and novel opportunities for prevention and treatment will also be granted special consideration.