This $20 million new and independent research funding stream was secured by LCA and established into law in 2008.  This milestone for the lung cancer community represents another pipeline to support new researchers and research directed at earlier understandings of lung cancer.  The office of the CDMRP manages research that to date has encompassed breast, prostate, ovarian, military health, and other specified areas.  Since 1992, the CDMRP has managed approximately $4.8 billion for peer-reviewed research aimed to prevent, control and cure disease.  Lung cancer now has its own specially identified research program. 

The congressional language establishing the program acknowledges that our military men and women are at higher risk for lung cancer and that the research will focus on integrated components to identity, treat and manage early curable lung cancer.

For more information on the CDMRP, click here.

Updates:

LUNG CANCER ALLIANCE HAILS NEW FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LUNG CANCER RESEARCH

Additional $15 Million Approved in the FY2010 Department of Defense Budget

December 19, 2009 [Washington, DC] --Today, the United States Congress approved an additional $15 million in research funding for lung cancer as part of the fiscal year 2010 Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations package.  This brings the total to $35 million that Congress has appropriated to date for the new program since it was launched in October of last year. The bill will now be sent to the President for signature.

"This is another wonderful step forward in our efforts to see federal funding increased for lung cancer research.” said Laurie Fenton Ambrose, Lung Cancer Alliance (LCA) President & CEO.  “We remain deeply grateful to Congressman John Murtha (D-PA), the Chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Committee and to Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee for their continued support and protection of this vitally important new research program and funding stream."

The first wave of research grants are about to be awarded under the new program which is being funded through the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program.

To read LCA's full press release, click here.

IT IS OFFICIAL: $2O MILLION FOR NEW LUNG CANCER RESEARCH NOW LAW

President Signs Government Funding Bill -- Includes Top LCA Priority

September 30, 2008 [Washington, DC]--Tonight, the President signed into law funding for fiscal year 2009. Included in this omnibus measure is money to fund the Department of Defense and a new $20 million Lung Cancer Research Program.

Lung Cancer Alliance President and CEO Laurie Fenton-Ambrose called the new program “a turning point for lung cancer.”

“This is the breakthrough we have all been working so hard for – our advocates, patients and their families, our staff and our Board,” she said.

Fenton-Ambrose credited the chairmen of the House and Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittees for their support and commitment to the new lung cancer research program.

The legislation notes that lung cancer is the most lethal of all cancers, taking more lives each year than all other major cancers combined and that military personnel have heightened exposure to lung cancer carcinogens.

“Priority should be given to the development of the integrated components to identify, treat and manage early curable lung cancer”, it states.

The bill requires the Army to provide a plan for how the funds will be spent and submit that plan to Congress within 120 days.

To view the congressional language of the 2009 DOD Lung Cancer Research Program (LCRP), click here.