The WCRF International Request For Applications Programme

Background

In the fight against cancer there are no geographical borders or frontiers. Science and research are truly international and the WCRF global network is dedicated to funding innovative research into the role of food, nutrition, physical activity and weight management in cancer around the world. WCRF International manages and administers the WCRF International Research Grant Programme (consisting of the Regular Grant Programme and the Request for Applications (RFA) Programme) on behalf of its member organisations in the UK, the Netherlands, Hong Kong and France.

Request for Applications, as a significant part of the Research Grant Programme

The Request for Applications (RFA) Programme is a new and exciting initiative that is more directive in nature than the Regular Grant Programme, focussing on research topics that have been identified as being of high priority. This RFA Programme enables WCRF to address rather specific research questions raised by the findings of the Expert Reports. Important examples include the role of vitamin D and dairy produce in prostate cancer and the role of red and processed meat in the development of bowel cancer.

The first RFA call, launched in May 2009, focussed on the development and evaluation of biomarkers relevant to the influence of food, nutrition (including body fatness) and physical activity on cancer.  In this context biomarkers include measurements that inform about the risk of developing cancer and may include biochemical, physiological or clinical measurements in individuals. There is also a need to improve measurements of exposure to potential dietary protectants or enhancers of cancer risk, and so there is scope for the development of biomarkers of dietary exposure.  Whilst numerous biomarkers of increased cardiovascular disease risk are in current clinical use (abnormal lipid profile, elevated plasma fibrinogen, C reactive protein, and so on) this is not true for cancer. Potential biomarkers of cancer risk include measures of cell proliferation, of DNA damage or of gene-specific methylation, all of which are the focus of research effort.

Objective markers for the assessment of cancer risk associated with diet, body fatness and physical activity in humans are urgently needed. The identification and validation of preclinical biomarkers of cancer risk and progression as well as markers of risk early in the life course are all of great relevance in helping to assess and determine an individual’s risk of developing cancer, thereby enabling the opportunity to develop and implement protective strategies. Additionally, good biomarkers are indispensible for understanding associations between dietary exposure and cancer risk, and of evaluating interventions.

An RFA panel, comprising leading international scientists with experience of biomarker research will review the applications, with the first award being made in April 2010. Together with the Regular Grant Programme the RFA Programme will help to further progress our knowledge in the area of nutrition and cancer. I consider that this initiative will make an important contribution to our understanding of the links between diet, physical activity and cancer risk.

Professor Hilary J Powers (Chair, RFA panel)
Human Nutrition Unit
Department of Oncology
University of Sheffield, UK