Request for Proposals: Research Seed Money for Two Grants ($50,000/grant) for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP)
National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) with funding by the PMP Research Foundation Announces Research Seed Money for two Grants ($50,000/grant) for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP)
Abstract Submission Deadline: May 4, 2012
NORD, with funding by the patient organization, PMP Research Foundation, is accepting applications for two, 2-year grants, $50,000 per grant, for scientific research studies and/or clinical research studies related to pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). Pseudomyxoma peritonei is a rare disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation of mucus-secreting (mucinous) tumor cells within the abdomen and pelvis. Pseudomyxoma peritonei develops, in most cases, from a hole (perforation) in the appendix that is caused by the penetration of a small growth (polyp) located within the appendix. Tumors arising in the ovary have also been implicated. The tumor cells spread (migrate) within the abdominal and pelvic cavity to characteristic locations. Once they reach these locations, tumor cells continue to grow and spread throughout the peritoneum. Characteristic locations for tumor cell growth are within the fatty membrane in front of the intestines (greater omentum), beneath the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen (diaphragm), and within the pelvis. In females, there may be excessive growth on both ovaries. The abdominal area becomes swollen, with digestive function becoming impaired as the mucinous tumors proliferate. Treatment currently consists of extensive surgery to remove all visible tumor cells, with intraperitoneal chemotherapy often being administered during surgery. Postoperative chemotherapy may also be administered. The exact cause of PMP is unknown, as there are no genetic, familial, or environmental factors yet known to cause this disorder.
Research Objectives
The purpose of the NORD Research Grant Program is to encourage meritorious clinical studies designed to improve the diagnosis or therapy of rare “orphan” diseases. Grants will be awarded to qualified researchers to initiate small scientific studies and/or clinical research studies, the results of which could be used to obtain funding from NIH, FDA or other funding agencies, or to attract a corporate sponsor. Procedures or proposed approaches may be new, based on recent biochemical, molecular genetic, or pharmacological evidence, or in preliminary states of clinical investigation. Evaluation of proposals will include careful consideration of protocol design, objectiveness of parameters measured, and statistical evaluation proposed. Protocols that will focus on early detection, diagnosis, etiology, or treatment (pharmacological, devices, surgery, or dietary) or cure will be given priority.
National Organization for Rare Disorders
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