On January 21, 2020 LUNGevity Foundation reported that is partnering for the second time with patient-led group ALK Positive to support the ALK-positive Lung Cancer Research Award Program (Press release, LUNGevity Foundation, JAN 21, 2020, View Source [SID1234553388]). ALK Positive members are the first group of ALK-positive patients to influence the direction of research into their mutation that may, one day, save their lives. This year, the group will fund at least two research awards up to a total of $1 million over two years—their largest funding to date. The ultimate goal of the research is to transform ALK-positive lung cancer into a chronic or curable condition.

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"ALK Positive is delighted to partner once more with LUNGevity. Our partnership with LUNGevity allows us to use a rigorous selection process and access experts to help us choose the research most likely to save the lives of patients," notes Dr. Colin Barton, ALK-positive patient/survivor since 2016 and chair of ALK Positive’s Medical and Pharmaceutical Advocacy Committee. "This $1 million research award program is our biggest to date. The members of ALK Positive have made amazing efforts to raise the funds for this award program. Currently, there is no known cure for this type of cancer in the advanced stage."

There are two paths to receive a 2020 Lung Cancer Research Award:

Transformational Award: This award will be funded up to $250,000–$500,000 over two years. Research in this award may include projects that incorporate patient samples.
Clinical Trial Innovation Award: This award will be funded up to $750,000 over two years. Research in this award includes clinical trials.
ALK Positive is a group of 1,900+ lung cancer patients and caregivers in 50+ countries. ALK-positive lung tumors have a cancer-causing rearrangement of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene. ALK-positive patients account for approximately 5% of those with non-small cell lung cancer.

ALK Positive members raise funds for the award program and patients have the ability to contribute their own tissue and data directly to the funded project, as needed. Research projects are expected to have a direct impact on the outcomes of patients with ALK-positive lung cancer.

"We are excited to solicit another round of high-quality research proposals that will help to expand treatment options for ALK-positive lung cancer patients," says Dr. Upal Basu Roy, Vice President of Research at LUNGevity Foundation. "Members of the ALK Positive group have not only fundraised, but will also be integral in the selection of these research projects. Awardees from the initial awards, given in 2018, have already made significant progress."

The deadline to submit a letter of intent for the ALK-positive Lung Cancer Research Award is Friday, February 14, 2020. The award announcement will be made in summer 2020. For more information about this award, visit www.LUNGevity.org/ALK-RFA.