Department of Defense Doubles Cancer Research Funding in 2015

Doctors and researchers seeking a cure for mesothelioma will soon be able to tap into millions of dollars set aside by the U.S. Department of Defense for cancer research. The Office of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) invested $50 million in the Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) for 2015 — an amount that doubles the money awarded to the program last year. With the additional funding, asbestos-related cancer researchers can extend current studies and launch new ones to improve traditional treatments, introduce emerging therapies or test new cancer drugs. Funding in 2014 was $25 million. Researchers hold out hope that their military-focused programs will develop the medical advancements that extend life expectancy or develop a cure for U.S. service members and families affected by mesothelioma. Former service members are a prime demographic for development of the rare and fatal cancer. CDMRP spokeswoman Gail Whitehead told Asbestos.com that applicants seeking funding under the 2015 cycle must send in their applications in the fall. Winners for that round will be announced in 2016. The cancer program and CDMRP are funded through the Defense Department. Since its inception, the program has provided nearly $3 million to fund mesothelioma research, according to CDMRP documents. The Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program, also part of CDMRP, pumped $7.7 million into mesothelioma research projects from 2008 to 2010. Ongoing Mesothelioma Res...
Source: Asbestos and Mesothelioma News - Category: Environmental Health Authors: Tags: Research & Clinical Trials Source Type: news