Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery (R01 Clinical Trial Optional) | PAR 21 331

Opportunity Information: Apply for PAR 21 331

The National Cancer Institute (NCI), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is soliciting investigator-initiated research applications under the R01 mechanism for studies that explain how bariatric surgery may change a persons risk of developing cancer. The central aim of this opportunity is to push the field beyond the more commonly studied short-term outcomes of bariatric procedures, such as weight loss or improvements in diabetes, and instead focus on the biological, behavioral, and clinical mechanisms that could plausibly increase or decrease cancer risk after surgery. The announcement is titled "Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is listed as PAR-21-331. Because it is "clinical trial optional," applicants can propose projects that are purely mechanistic and observational, or projects that include a clinical trial component if it is scientifically justified, but a clinical trial is not required.

Projects supported through this FOA are expected to center on mechanistic questions that connect bariatric surgery to cancer-related pathways and outcomes. In practical terms, that means studies designed to clarify what changes after surgery (for example, metabolic hormones, inflammation, immune function, bile acid signaling, gut microbiome alterations, nutrient absorption, tissue-specific changes, or other physiological shifts) and how those changes could influence cancer initiation, progression, or prevention. The FOA also signals that NCI is interested in attracting researchers who already work in bariatric surgery and related fields to apply their expertise to cancer-focused endpoints, risk markers, and longer-term cancer-relevant follow-up, rather than stopping at intermediate endpoints like pounds lost or glycemic control.

The funding instrument is a discretionary federal grant using the NIH R01 activity code, which generally supports substantial, multi-year research projects led by independent investigators. The opportunity is categorized under education and health-related federal assistance and is associated with CFDA numbers 93.393, 93.396, and 93.399, reflecting its placement within NIH/NCI assistance listings. The posted award ceiling in the provided source data is $500,000, indicating a maximum level stated for this opportunity in the summary information. The original closing date shown is 2024-09-07, which functions as the application due date reference in the provided listing.

A wide range of applicant organizations are eligible. This includes state, county, and local governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; tribal organizations that are not federally recognized; public housing authorities and Indian housing authorities; nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3), excluding higher education institutions when specified); for-profit organizations other than small businesses; and small businesses. The FOA also explicitly highlights additional eligible applicant types such as Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AANAPISISs), Hispanic-serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs), faith-based or community-based organizations, regional organizations, eligible federal agencies, Indian/Native American tribal governments other than federally recognized entities, and U.S. territories or possessions.

At the same time, the FOA sets clear limits on foreign participation. Non-domestic (non-U.S.) entities and foreign institutions are not eligible to apply as the primary applicant organization, and non-domestic components of U.S. organizations are also not eligible to apply. However, foreign components are allowed as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, which generally means a U.S.-based applicant can include certain collaborations, performance sites, or project components outside the United States when they are well-justified and compliant with NIH policy. This structure preserves U.S. applicant leadership while still permitting scientifically necessary international elements.

Overall, this grant opportunity is meant for research teams that can rigorously investigate why bariatric surgery might alter cancer risk, identify the pathways responsible, and generate evidence that helps connect a major clinical intervention to cancer prevention biology and outcomes. It is positioned to support deeper, mechanism-driven work that can inform future cancer risk stratification, surveillance strategies, and potentially intervention design for patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

• The National Institutes of Health in the education, health sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Mechanisms that Impact Cancer Risk after Bariatric Surgery (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 93.393, 93.396, 93.399.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2021-09-03.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-09-07. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.

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