Therapy Optimization
We aim to facilitate clinical research that yields optimal patient outcomes while minimizing toxicity. We fund academic clinical trials exploring therapeutic options that would otherwise remain inaccessible to patients without philanthropic assistance, including strategies such as treatment de-escalation, repurposing of off-patent medications, and optimizing surgical or radiotherapy techniques.
Additionally, trial design must incorporate patient partners’ perspectives and exhibit a genuine patient-centered approach, encompassing patient-reported quality of life measures.
Key Topics
Treatment Optimization
De-escalating systemic treatments: Process of reducing the intensity or duration of systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy or targeted treatments, without compromising their effectiveness. This approach aims to minimize side effects and improve the quality of life for patients by tailoring treatment plans based on individual responses and specific cancer characteristics.
Intermittent dosing strategies: This approach involves administering medications at intervals rather than continuously or daily. It aims to optimize therapeutic outcomes while minimizing side effects and improving adherence.
De-escalating surgery/radiotherapy: This process involves refining and personalizing these treatments to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing side effects, sparing healthy tissues as much as possible. It also involves evaluation and adjustment based on patient-specific factors and treatment responses.
Geriatric/pediatric oncology
Geriatric and pediatric oncology patients particularly benefit from more personalized treatment approaches, as current options often result in unwanted long-term physical, emotional, and neurocognitive side effects.
Repurposing drugs
Process of finding new anticancer uses for existing drugs originally developed for other indications. This strategy leverages known safety profiles and pharmacokinetics, offering a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional drug discovery.
Overcoming resistance
Involves developing strategies to counteract the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade treatment. This can include using combination therapies, targeting specific resistance pathways, and adapting treatment plans based on the tumor’s genetic and molecular profile. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of cancer treatments and prevent recurrence or relapse.
Funding Opportunities
Open Call
We accept Letters of Intent (LOIs) all year round with cutoff deadlines for internal assessment three times per year. Once you have submitted your LOI, you will receive further information regarding timing and next steps.
Pre-application Grants
Pre-application grants provide gap funding to support patient experts’ helping to develop grant applications/ protocols.
Focus Area Grants
Maastricht University
Preoperative Optimization of Modifiable risk factors in surgery of the Pancreas
University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Shortening Adjuvant Photon Irradiation for Breast Cancer: The Saphire Trial
City of Hope
