Research Grants

Sarcoma Research

What research is being done and what is needed?

The National Cancer Institute over the years has dedicated a small amount of money to targeted research efforts at a handful of medical centers in the United States with programs centered on the 1% of cancer patients who develop sarcoma. With the NCI budget being $4.8 billion, a similar proportion (1%) targeted to help find new therapies to help sarcoma patients might be expected to be $48 million. It is hard to estimate, but review of data presented for the public on the NCI website indicates no more than $5-10 million per year is being spent on NCI sarcoma research programs. There is a dire need for increased NCI funding for research into sarcoma sub-types.

We need funding programs to build on discoveries of targets arising from genetic research in sarcoma. Sarcoma may be ideally suited to immunotherapy approaches. All projects related to sarcomas will be considered. The Medical Advisory Board reviews and approves all SFA grant recipients.

What type of research does the SFA advocate and help fund?

The SFA advocates for increased research funding for sarcoma from both the public and private sectors. We work with government institutions, for-profit and non-profit cancer organizations, and industry to improve the level of awareness, interest and investment in translational research for sarcoma. Our advocacy efforts have resulted in the addition of language benefiting sarcoma patients in publications by the National Cancer Institute. Most recently, the SFA has partnered with the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) to support a long-term grant that will support increased research into sarcoma. These efforts ensure that sarcoma, though relatively rare, receives attention from government and other entities that have the interest and ability to support scientific research into Sarcoma.

What type of research does the SFA fund?

The SFA raises funds to support basic research focused on discovering and developing new and effective therapies to treat and eradicate Sarcoma. In addition to SFA sponsored grants, the organization has recently partnered with the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the Capon Family to award a $450,000 research grant to a Sarcoma researcher. We also work to expand the number of medical researchers who are interested in the study of sarcoma by funding Young Investigator Awards privately and through ASCO. Due to IRS restrictions, the SFA does not fund clinical trial efforts. However, SFA strongly advocates for increased sarcoma clinical research by government and private sector organizations developing new therapies against cancer.

Programs & Resources

Information on sarcoma subtypes, treatments, clinical trials, and other important resources for sarcoma patients and families.

Information on the Sarcoma Patient Registry. If you are diagnosed with sarcoma, please consider joining the Registry.

Information on applying for a sarcoma research grant, current research funded by the SFA, and past research grants.