As described in this program announcement for P30 Cancer Center Support Grants, eligibility to apply for a CCSG award and to meet the standards for formal CCSG research programs requires specific minimum levels of “peer reviewed, funded research projects.” The NIH and all of the funding organizations listed below employ: 1) a peer review system that uses primarily external reviewers and is free of conflict-of-interest; (2) a ranking or rating system in the review process based on the scientific merit of the proposed research; and (3) a funding system based primarily on the peer review ranking or rating of the research applications. All funded, multi-year research projects from these organizations (excluding pilot projects and feasibility studies) may be counted toward the requirements noted above. In addition, these projects may receive support from CCSG shared resources. More »

NCI–designated Cancer Centers and NCI–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers will be allowed to use the Cancer Center Identity Badge, appropriate to their designation, in the promotion, advocacy, educational, and other related activities of the individual cancer center. Cancer Centers and Comprehensive Cancer Centers are not allowed to use the NCI logo.  More »

Guidance Relevant to NIH Clinical Translational Science Awards (CTSA) and Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) Guidelines

Clinical and Translational Science Awards are sponsored by the National Center for Research Resources. CTSAs are intended to complement the extramural programs of other NIH Institutes by creating an academic home for clinical and translational research. The vast majority of institutions with CTSAs also are home to NCI-designated Cancer Centers and issues relevant to the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) Guidelines may arise in some Cancer Centers based on the proposed structure of the CTSA, the organization of the parent institution, and the organization and functions of the Cancer Center. Additional guidance is provided below.

The Six Essential Characteristics As a set of overriding principles, the Six Essential Characteristics, which serve as the cornerstone of the NCI - Cancer Centers Program, remain paramount.

Protocol Review and Monitoring System
Scientific review, prioritization, monitoring, and closure to trials of cancer center clinical trials must continue as exclusive functions of the Protocol Review and Monitoring System of the Cancer Center. It is not acceptable for these functions to be within the purview of the CTSA or any other entity within the parent institution.