Susan G. Komen for the Cure to donate $100 million for immediate patient care

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Determined to fast track research into help for breast cancer patients who can't wait, Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced today that it is distributing an unprecedented $100 million in grants to American and international scientists this year alone, according to their recently-unveiled 2008 grants portfolio.

It is the largest commitment of breast cancer research funding by a single nonprofit organization, targeted to 81 universities and hospitals in 27 states and five countries. These grants represent research with the highest likelihood of producing results for patients during the next decade.

"There's a tremendous urgency to translate what we're learning in the lab into treatments for patients, particularly patients with very aggressive cancers who don't have years to wait," said Dr. Eric P. Winer, chief scientific advisor to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and director of the Breast Oncology Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

"The grants we are funding focus on safely and effectively bringing treatments to cancer patients in a more timely way than we have been able to in the past," Winer added.

"We've revamped Komen's research program, challenging the best minds to solve the most difficult issues in breast cancer," said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. "These grants are geared to results -- finding cures, tailoring treatments and resolving the issues that have stymied the search for a breast cancer cure."

The Komen grants undergo a rigorous peer-review process by groups of laboratory scientists, clinicians and advocates. These grants fall into the following categories:

* Promise Grants: Large-scale grants, up to $7.5 million each during a five-year period, targeted to research that brings science to the bedside quicker than ever before. Komen will provide $35 million in Promise grants to seven, multi-year projects in 2008.

* Post-Doctoral Research: Grants of $60,000 per year to attract and retain promising young researchers nationwide and internationally. Forty-six scientists will share grant funding that totals $7.7 million over three years.

* Career Catalyst Research: Grants of $150,000 per year for three years to fill a critical gap in support and stimulate the transition from training to independence among promising cancer investigators. Total funding: $10.9 million to 26 researchers.

* Investigator Initiated Research: Grants of up to $200,000 per year for three years to explore new ideas and approaches leading to reductions in breast cancer mortality and/or the incidence within the decade. Total funding: $35.3 million for 60 grants.

* Affiliate Grants: Special grants co-funded by 15 Komen Affiliates to institutions in their hometowns or states.

In addition, Komen has directed $13 million to other cancer research organizations to fund collaborative projects. A complete list of the grants can be found here

Source: Komen for the Cure

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