Canadian Cancer Society/University Health Network Research Grants on Neurofibromatosis and Cancer: Probing the Links

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary, autosomal dominant disease caused by inherited changes in the NF1 gene on chromosome 17, which provides instructions for making a protein called neurofibromin. Most people with NF1 are diagnosed within their first few years of life, while others might not know they have the condition until they reach their 20s, 30s, or even later. NF1 is a relatively rare condition that affects about 1 in 3,500 people and results in the development of multiple tumours outside the skull that are called peripheral nerve sheath tumours (PNSTs). The symptoms and the course of NF1 can vary widely and cause significant lifelong morbidity. Although a large number of PNST tumours are benign, there is a malignant subtype, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours (MPNSTs) which generally carries a very poor prognosis. In addition to the risk of developing  MPNSTs, people with NF1 are at a greater risk of developing a growing number of cancers, have a genetic predisposition to developing these cancers earlier in life, and may experience poorer outcomes than those in the general population (Table 1). 

Table 1: NF1 and Cancer Prevalence 

Cancers that are more common in people with NF1	Cancers occurring at a younger age in people with NF1	Cancers that appear to have higher mortality in people with NF1
Gliomas (low and high grade) Sarcomas Breast cancer Endocrine cancers Melanoma Acute lymphoblastic leukemia Ovarian cancer Prostate cancer Meningioma	Gliomas (low and high grade) Breast cancer Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST)	Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma Glioma (high grade) MPNST Melanoma

Ref: Comparative Study- JAMA Netw Open 2021 Mar 1;4(3):e210945. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.0945. Comparison of Cancer Prevalence in Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 at an Academic Cancer Center vs in the General Population From 1985 to 2020 

An expert review committee will be assembled to review the full applications. The committee will be comprised of diverse (gender, geography, career stage, race) scientists and patient/survivor/caregiver (PSC) reviewers who collectively possess relevant expertise and experience to review the submitted applications (see review criteria below for more information).

The mandatory abstract registration will inform the composition of the panel.

• Registration is mandatory and noncompetitive, however a relevance review will be conducted to ensure alignment with the funding opportunity. Specific guidelines for the abstract registration will be available here and should be closely consulted during preparation of the application.

Abstract registration includes:

• Applicant and team details (team members may be added at the full application stage)
• A public summary of the proposed research (in plain language understandable to a non-scientist), including why this work is important (rationale); the goal or purpose of the project (objectives/aims); the research plan (methodology); and the anticipated results and potential impact of the project. (2000 characters, spaces included)
• A scientific abstract that describes the rationale, objectives/aims, methods, and anticipated results and potential impact of the project, including how the proposed project could, if successful, either reduce the risk of cancer in people living with NF1, or facilitate earlier detection to improve patient outcomes (4500 characters, spaces included)
• Keywords
• Suggested reviewers
• Research tracking information (for administrative purposes)

Any significant changes to the proposed project or research team after the abstract deadline should be communicated to CCS (research@cancer.ca) as soon as they are known. Substantive changes that significantly alter the overall goals and aims of the proposal relative to the abstract are not permitted.

Please review the application guide prior to submitting your application. When preparing the full application, the following additional information is required:  

Detailed instructions for each section can be found in the application guide. 

The review criteria for the applications will include but not necessarily be restricted to the following:

• the relevance of the research proposed to the goals of the funding opportunity
• the originality and potential impact of the proposed work
• the novelty and value of any new collaborations across different fields and disciplines
• the appropriateness of the methods for the research project
• the appropriateness of the qualifications and experience of the investigators leading and participating in the project
• the appropriate incorporation of sex as a biological variable and/or gender as a social determinant of health, where applicable
• the engagement of patient partners, as an integral part of the team, including in the development of the proposal

Applicants are reminded to review the eligibility and requirements page for details on scientific and financial reporting, funder acknowledgement, and CCS policies. In addition, research applications may be related but cannot be identical to any other currently funded projects. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the funding partners immediately should substantial overlap arise from new funding awards during the application and review process of this competition.

CCS is committed to equity, diversity, inclusivity, and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples rights. We strive to build inclusive and diverse capacity in the cancer research ecosystem through both policies and practices, and aim to equitably support applicants with diverse experience and narratives.

We recognize the structural racism and discrimination that exists in the research ecosystem, and as we move to examine and dismantle these practices, we seek to learn from the resilience, wisdom, and diversity of other perspectives. We commit to examining biases, seeking inclusive solutions, and welcoming discomfort that comes with systemic and structural change. We commit to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusive practices and principles. We welcome and encourage eligible applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply for our funding opportunities.

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever. Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

University Health Network is Canada's No. 1 hospital and the world's No. 1 publicly funded hospital. It is affiliated with the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network. With 10 sites and more than 20,000 members of TeamUHN, UHN comprises five academic hospitals, an education institute, a technology accelerator and six research institutes. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care.

ERASEnf, the Elisabeth Raab Accelerator of Science to End Neurofibromatosis, is dedicated to building collaborative teams focusing on biological, psychological and sociological well-being of patients with neurofibromatosis. Mindful of the critical gaps in care and research that are limiting the development of innovative care models to improve the overall quality-of-life inneurofibromatosis patient population, ERASEnf takes a holistic approach to the neurofibromatosis condition and serves as a catalyst for innovation in neurofibromatosis management. ERASEnf, hastwo main goals to 1) advance understanding of the biology of neurofibromatosis related tumors and develop novel treatment options and 2) advance research into innovative care models that take into consideration the psychological and sociological domains of well-being in neurofibromatosis patients.