Progress in cancer research over the past two decades has been remarkable. Five-year survival rates for cancer types such as prostate and breast have nearly doubled in the last 50 years, and cancer is becoming a survivable disease for many. However, more progress is needed, and the work of early-career researchers is critical in that effort. Now, junior investigators at the University of Vermont (UVM) Cancer Center will have a new opportunity to be a part of that progress, thanks to funding from a 2015 American Cancer Society Institutional Research Grant.

Awarded to the UVM Cancer Center, in partnership with the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, “this competitive grant recognizes the innovative, team approach to cancer research that is taking place here at the UVM Cancer Center,” says UVM Cancer Center Director Gary Stein, Ph.D., professor and chair of biochemistry and principal investigator on the grant.  

Funding from the prestigious award will be aimed at advancing innovative laboratory and behavioral science and translating findings into clinical applications. At the same time, the grant provides support to train and invest in rising stars in the field of cancer research here in Vermont. 

The American Cancer Society research grant process is highly competitive, with only 10 percent of applications funded nationally. The significance of these types of grants cannot be understated. Federal funding is declining overall for medical research. The state and federal dollars available for cancer researchers has shrunk, making it more challenging for early-career scientists to enter the cancer research field and to initiate new research. Support from the American Cancer Society will be pivotal in pushing cancer research to new levels, and improving care for patients.

At UVM, collaborative teams of physician-investigators, scientists, and behaviorists from a broad spectrum of relevant disciplines are expected to work together to tackle investigation in all areas of cancer prevention, detection, treatment, and survivorship. Together, they are looking at cancer from all angles and working to find novel ways to identify the causes of specific cancers, determine individual risk for certain cancers, target therapy to cancer-type and to individuals, as well find ways to support and enhance the quality of life for the increasing numbers of cancer survivors.

Find information about American Cancer Society institutional research grants here.