Opportunity Information: Apply for PA 18 532
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding opportunity titled "Early-life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life" (PA-18-532) is an R21 exploratory/developmental research grant aimed at building new knowledge about how events and exposures earlier in life shape cancer risk decades later. The FOA is centered on the idea that cancer susceptibility may be influenced long before adulthood, including during preconception and pregnancy (maternal and paternal factors), in utero development, birth and infancy, puberty, adolescence, and the young adult years. While evidence in this area is growing, it is still limited, and NIH is using this announcement to encourage innovative, early-stage projects that can open up new lines of investigation. Clinical trials are not allowed under this specific announcement.
The research focus is threefold. First, NIH is looking for studies that identify which early-life factors are associated with cancer development later in life. These factors can include a wide range of exposures and conditions such as parental health and behaviors, prenatal and perinatal conditions, early nutrition, growth patterns, environmental and chemical exposures, infections and immune-related events, stress and psychosocial factors, endocrine and metabolic influences, and developmental timing issues like pubertal onset. Second, the FOA emphasizes understanding mechanisms, meaning applicants are expected to go beyond simple associations and explore how early-life factors might influence biological processes tied to carcinogenesis. This can involve investigating pathways such as inflammation, immune development, hormonal signaling, epigenetic programming, DNA damage and repair capacity, microbiome development, metabolic reprogramming, or tissue and organ development that could create long-term vulnerability or resilience to malignancy. Third, the FOA prioritizes the development or evaluation of predictive markers that reflect early biological changes linked to later cancer risk. The practical motivation is clear: because many cancers take decades to appear, validated early markers of malignancy or premalignant states could let researchers and public health programs assess risk and intervention effects without waiting a lifetime for cancer outcomes to occur.
A major theme of the opportunity is prevention-oriented impact. By clarifying how early developmental windows contribute to the origins of cancer, the research supported through this FOA is intended to lay groundwork for interventions during pregnancy or early life that could meaningfully reduce cancer burden across the lifespan. This might include strategies that reduce harmful exposures, improve maternal and child health conditions, or identify high-risk individuals earlier through biomarker-informed screening or monitoring approaches. The R21 mechanism is especially suited to high-impact pilot work, proof-of-concept studies, novel measurement strategies, and exploratory analyses that can later be scaled into larger projects.
From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary NIH grant under CFDA 93.393, using the R21 funding instrument. The listed award ceiling is $200,000 (as provided in the source data). The original closing date shown is January 7, 2021, and the FOA was created on December 20, 2017. Even when specific submission dates pass, FOAs sometimes have reissues or related active announcements, so applicants typically verify current availability and deadlines through NIH and Grants.gov postings.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations. Eligible applicants include state, county, city or township, and special district governments; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicants such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, U.S. territories or possessions, eligible federal agencies, regional organizations, and non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations). This wide eligibility reflects NIH interest in drawing on diverse populations, settings, and expertise, which is often essential for studying early-life exposures and life-course cancer risk across different communities and environments.Apply for PA 18 532
- The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Early-life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life (R21 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2017-12-20.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2021-01-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the title and identification number of this NIH funding opportunity?
The funding opportunity is titled "Early-life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life" and is identified as PA-18-532.
What type of grant mechanism is used for this opportunity?
This opportunity uses the NIH R21 exploratory/developmental research grant mechanism, which is intended to support innovative, early-stage, and pilot-style projects.
What is the main goal of the FOA?
The goal is to build new knowledge about how early-life events and exposures can shape cancer susceptibility and risk decades later, with an emphasis on prevention-oriented impact across the lifespan.
What life stages are considered "early-life" under this FOA?
The FOA frames early-life broadly and includes preconception and pregnancy (including maternal and paternal factors), in utero development, birth and infancy, puberty, adolescence, and the young adult years.
What kinds of studies is NIH encouraging under this announcement?
NIH is encouraging innovative, exploratory, and developmental studies that can open new lines of investigation in early-life origins of cancer. The R21 mechanism is positioned for high-impact pilot work, proof-of-concept studies, novel measurement strategies, and exploratory analyses that can be scaled into larger projects later.
Are clinical trials allowed under this FOA?
No. Clinical trials are not allowed under this specific announcement.
What are the three main research focus areas emphasized in the FOA?
The FOA emphasizes: (1) identifying which early-life factors are associated with cancer development later in life, (2) understanding mechanisms that link early-life factors to carcinogenesis (not just associations), and (3) developing or evaluating predictive markers that reflect early biological changes linked to later cancer risk.
What examples of early-life factors or exposures are of interest?
Examples mentioned include parental health and behaviors, prenatal and perinatal conditions, early nutrition, growth patterns, environmental and chemical exposures, infections and immune-related events, stress and psychosocial factors, endocrine and metabolic influences, and developmental timing factors such as pubertal onset.
Does the FOA expect applicants to investigate biological mechanisms?
Yes. A core emphasis is on going beyond identifying associations to explore how early-life factors may influence biological processes tied to carcinogenesis.
What mechanisms or pathways does the FOA highlight as relevant to carcinogenesis?
The FOA lists examples such as inflammation, immune development, hormonal signaling, epigenetic programming, DNA damage and repair capacity, microbiome development, metabolic reprogramming, and tissue and organ development that could create long-term vulnerability or resilience to malignancy.
Why does the FOA prioritize predictive markers or biomarkers?
Because many cancers can take decades to develop, validated early markers of malignancy or premalignant states could help assess risk and the effects of interventions without waiting a lifetime for cancer outcomes to occur.
How is this FOA connected to cancer prevention?
The FOA is prevention-oriented and aims to clarify how early developmental windows contribute to the origins of cancer, with the intention of laying groundwork for interventions during pregnancy or early life that could reduce cancer burden across the lifespan.
What kinds of prevention-oriented impacts are envisioned?
Examples described include strategies to reduce harmful exposures, improve maternal and child health conditions, and identify high-risk individuals earlier through biomarker-informed screening or monitoring approaches.
What is the listed award ceiling for this opportunity?
The listed award ceiling is $200,000 (as provided in the source data).
What CFDA number is associated with this opportunity?
The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.393.
When was the FOA created, and what is the original closing date shown?
The FOA was created on December 20, 2017, and the original closing date shown is January 7, 2021.
If the closing date has passed, is it still worth checking?
Yes. The information notes that even when specific submission dates pass, FOAs sometimes have reissues or related active announcements, so applicants typically verify current availability and deadlines through NIH and Grants.gov postings.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of organizations, including various government entities, tribal governments and tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses.
Are tribal entities and tribal-serving organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA includes federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, and it also highlights Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs) among additional eligible applicants.
Are minority-serving institutions specifically mentioned as eligible?
Yes. The FOA explicitly highlights eligibility for Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISIs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs).
Are faith-based or community-based organizations eligible?
Yes. Faith-based or community-based organizations are explicitly listed among additional eligible applicants.
Can non-U.S. organizations apply?
Yes. The FOA explicitly includes non-U.S. entities (foreign organizations) as eligible applicants.
Are U.S. territories or possessions included in eligibility?
Yes. U.S. territories or possessions are listed among additional eligible applicants.
Are federal agencies or regional organizations eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA lists eligible federal agencies and regional organizations among additional eligible applicants.
Why does NIH emphasize broad eligibility for this topic?
The FOA notes that wide eligibility reflects NIH interest in drawing on diverse populations, settings, and expertise, which can be essential for studying early-life exposures and life-course cancer risk across different communities and environments.
What is the practical rationale for studying early-life factors in relation to cancer?
The FOA is grounded in the idea that cancer susceptibility can be shaped long before adulthood, and that understanding early developmental windows could enable earlier identification of risk and better-timed prevention strategies.
Does the FOA indicate the current strength of evidence in this research area?
Yes. It notes that evidence is growing but still limited, and that the FOA is intended to stimulate innovative projects that can expand the evidence base and launch new research directions.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Early-life Factors and Cancer Development Later in Life (R01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PA 18 529 Funding Number: PA 18 529 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Research on the Mechanisms and/or Behavioral Outcomes of Multisensory Processing (R01 - Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 545 Funding Number: PA 18 545 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed Apply for PAR 18 539 Funding Number: PAR 18 539 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01) - Independent Clinical Trial Required Apply for PAR 18 540 Funding Number: PAR 18 540 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Limited Competition: Clinical Research Sites for MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, MACS/WIHS-CCS (U01-Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 19 008 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 008 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research (U01 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for PAR 18 552 Funding Number: PAR 18 552 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Limited Competition: Data Analysis and Coordination Center for the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study, MACS/WIHS-CCS (U01 Clinical Trials Not Allowed) Apply for RFA HL 19 007 Funding Number: RFA HL 19 007 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Cancer Prevention and Control Clinical Trials Grant Program (R01 Clinical Trial Required) Apply for PAR 18 559 Funding Number: PAR 18 559 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| National Cancer Institute's Investigator-Initiated Early Phase Clinical Trials for Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis (R01 Clinical Trials Required) Apply for PAR 18 560 Funding Number: PAR 18 560 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Cutting-Edge Basic Research Awards (CEBRA) (R21-Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 437 Funding Number: PAR 18 437 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| International Research Collaboration on Drug Abuse and Addiction Research (R01, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 568 Funding Number: PA 18 568 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Health Services and Economic Research on the Prevention and Treatment of Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Abuse (R01, Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 569 Funding Number: PA 18 569 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Women and Sex/Gender Differences in Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 603 Funding Number: PA 18 603 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Leveraging Cognitive Neuroscience to Improve Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Related Cognitive Impairment (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 605 Funding Number: PAR 18 605 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Women and Sex/Gender Differences in Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence (R03 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 601 Funding Number: PA 18 601 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Women and Sex/Gender Differences in Drug and Alcohol Abuse/Dependence (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PA 18 602 Funding Number: PA 18 602 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Leveraging Cognitive Neuroscience to Improve Assessment of Cancer Treatment-Related Cognitive Impairment (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 606 Funding Number: PAR 18 606 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Training Modules to Enhance the Rigor and Reproducibility of Biomedical Research (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed) Apply for RFA GM 18 002 Funding Number: RFA GM 18 002 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Population, Clinical and Applied Prevention Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 612 Funding Number: PAR 18 612 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS): Population, Clinical and Applied Prevention Research (R21 Clinical Trial Optional) Apply for PAR 18 611 Funding Number: PAR 18 611 Agency: National Institutes of Health Category: Education, Health Funding Amount: $200,000 |
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