TRANSCAN 3 - JTC2023

FRRB is pleased to announce the launch of the third Joint Transnational Call (JTC) with the European Programme TRANSCAN -3: “Translational research on cancer epigenetics”, dedicated to transnational research projects aimed at improving the effectiveness of current cancer detection, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment through the development of new approaches based on a better understanding of cancer epigenetics.
This topic will comprise two general aims, each with several aims, which concur to the possible clinical applications. Particular attention should be given to gender balance inclusion in order to intercept sex/gender differences and to consider the role of these differences in the addressed questions.

Proposals should cover one or several of the specific aims listed below and should be built from a sound hypothesis:

1. The role of epigenetics in cancer initiation and progression. These studies may aim to validate novel epigenetics-based biomarkers to improve detection, diagnosis, prognosis of cancers or response to therapies.
- Specific aim 1.1: To understand cancer initiation and progression by characterisation of the epigenetic landscape.
- Specific aim 1.2: To define epigenetic features of cells in the tumour microenvironment that may promote tumour progression (e.g., immune cells, vascular cells, microbiota).
- Specific aim 1.3: To study the role of epigenetic modifications as predictors of cell persistence or treatment resistance.
- Specific aim 1.4: To validate epigenetic markers useful to improve early detection and diagnosis by exploring the correlation between epigenetics and clinical cancer manifestation.

2. Validation of new epigenetics-based therapeutic strategies to limit cancer progression, prevent relapse/recurrence or increase the efficiency or reduce toxicity of existing anti-cancer therapies.
- Specific aim 2.1: To validate novel therapeutic.
- Specific aim 2.2: To study the potential use of epigenetic modulators to overcome resistance to anti-cancer therapies.
- Specific aim 2.3: To develop novel epidrugs/therapeutic approaches, through phase I and II clinical trials to improve safety and efficacy of treatments.
- Specific aim 2.4: To develop novel theranostic approaches involving epigenetics of cancer. Approaches combining diagnostic and targeted treatment to detect cancer cells and assess treatment efficacy.

FRRB, as Funding agency and partner of the project, will offer Public or Private IRCCS (Scientific Institutes for Research, Hospitalization and Health Care), Public Health Care Providers (ASST), Aziende di Tutela della Salute (ATS), Agenzia Regionale Emergenza Urgenza (AREU), Universities and Research Institutes located on the Lombardy territory to present a project proposal.  

All information and documents on the Call can be found on the Call website:www.transcan.eu/opencall

FRRB, partner of the TRANSCAN-3, has allocated a budget of 2.000.000,00 Euro to this call.  

Pre-eligibility 

According to internal procedures, Regional Foundation for Biomedical Research (FRRB) will grant an eligibility clearance to the potential applicants prior to the submission of the pre-proposals.
Pre-eligibility documents can be downloaded from the official project page and on this page, in the "Download documents" section.
FRRB provides an excel sheet to help applicants abide by FRRB funding rules.  This form is meant to support the PIs in the elaboration of the budget, but it does not need to be sent to FRRB.

Definition of Research Institutes/organisation

For the purposes of this Call, the following definition applies.
Research Institute/organisation is defined as any institution that has all of the following characteristics:
a) it includes, within its Statute, the aims of research and the dissemination of scientific knowledge;
b) it mainly and continuously carries out independent research and dissemination of scientific knowledge;
c) it is equipped with stable structures, premises and/or laboratories and instruments suitable for carrying out research activities;
d) it employs qualified personnel suitable for the research activity;
e) it does not include, among its activities, the funding of research through competitive calls for proposals.

Documents to download

• TRANSCAN JTC23 Manuale di rendicontazione