RFA: Leukemia Exploration and Prevention Grant Program (LEAP)
Funds research into the mechanisms and prevention of leukemia in people with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder, focusing on biological pathways and strategies for early intervention.
Funder: American Cancer Society
Due Dates: October 29, 2024 | June 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $215,000/year (RSG) or $430,000/year (Team) for 4 years, plus 10% indirect costs; max total $946,000 (RSG) or $1,892,000 (Team) including indirects.
Summary: Supports investigator-initiated research on mechanisms and prevention strategies for leukemia in individuals with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD).
Key Information: Applicants may only apply to one mechanism (RSG or Team); resubmissions are allowed; US nonprofit or academic affiliation required.
Description
The Leukemia Exploration and Prevention (LEAP) Grant Program, a partnership between the RUNX1 Research Program and the American Cancer Society, is designed to advance research into cancer interception and prevention therapies for individuals with RUNX1 familial platelet disorder (RUNX1-FPD). This rare heritable condition carries a high risk of hematologic malignancies, particularly acute myeloid leukemia. The LEAP program funds investigator-initiated projects in two main focus areas: (1) elucidating the mechanisms underlying leukemogenic progression from germline RUNX1-mutated hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells to overt leukemia, and (2) translational research to identify, develop, or validate actionable targets, biomarkers, or intervention strategies for cancer interception or prevention in RUNX1-FPD.
The program offers two funding mechanisms: the LEAP-Research Scholar Grant (RSG) for independent researchers and the LEAP-Team Award for interdisciplinary teams. Both mechanisms aim to bridge gaps in understanding how extrinsic signals and the microenvironment interact with RUNX1 mutations to drive malignancy, ultimately supporting the development of targeted early intervention and prevention therapies.
