Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trials Optional)

The Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program (R34 Clinical Trials Optional) is designed to aid the planning of efficient and effective clinical trials focused on various aspects of cancer prevention and control. The initiative aims to improve operations in areas such as cancer prevention, cancer-related health behaviors, screening, early detection, healthcare provision, treatment-related symptom management, supportive care, and the long-term outcomes for cancer survivors.

It is common for investigators to lack vital information about various aspects of the trial, such as the study group, recruitment challenges, treatment methods, expected outcomes, statistical hurdles or operational risks. This gap in information can often cause multiple changes to the trial protocol both before and after the trial begins, incurring extra costs and time that could jeopardize the completion of the study.

Furthermore, the feasibility of novel trial designs, aimed at reducing costs and minimizing infrastructure, may also need to be tested within certain interventions, populations, symptoms or venues. By funding preparatory studies that can address these gaps and uncertainties, the Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Planning Grant Program helps enhance trial design and feasibility understanding. It streamlines the process, ultimately resulting in time and financial savings for the National Cancer Institute (NCI).