Request for Proposals (RFP) Executive Summary

Problem

IMAGING APOPTOSIS IN CANCER PATIENTS

Problem Statement

The early evaluation and continuous monitoring of anti-cancer drug efficacy would be markedly enhanced by the ability to assess the entry of tumor cells into apoptosis as a result of drug exposure using non-invasive imaging techniques. While anti-cancer agents can still be developed using traditional measures of efficacy (tumor volume reductions as detected by MR or CT imaging), these measures do not become apparent for a significant time after initiation of  chemotherapy. Moreover, some targeted agents induce destruction of tumors that is not manifested as a change in size or volume.

Key Requirements for Successful RFP Bidders

Appropriate investigators would be expected to be cancer researchers at institutions with interest and expertise in the problem, have access to preclinical and clinical imaging tools and have access to cancer patients.

Deliverables

Potential measures of anti-tumor efficacy and apoptosis that are quickly obtainable after the onset of therapeutic intervention. These measures should allow the rapid evaluation of new agents across a spectrum of tumor types even in a Phase 1 setting. A successful tool will facilitate the abandonment of ineffective targets and agents and the rapid progression of effective therapies to Proof of Concept and Phase 3 evaluation.

Time to Solve the Problem

The estimated timeframe is within 3 years. Please provide a best estimate of time in the proposal.

Request for Proposal (RFP) Due Date

All final proposals must be submitted no later than August 31, 2007.

Submitting a Proposal

If you are interested in submitting a proposal to address the above therapeutic area topic, please complete the following informational template and send it to: [email protected]

• Oncology - RFI (PDF)