ABSTRACT
The overall goal of this five year R33 grant proposal, “Geriatric Oncology Research Infrastructure to Improve
Clinical Care,” submitted on behalf of the Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG; mycarg.org), is to
further expand CARG’s national research infrastructure to support innovative investigators, leaders,
and projects to answer significant interdisciplinary research questions at the aging and cancer
interface. This proposal, in response to PAR 20-071, supports “advanced-stage development and utilization of
novel research infrastructure to advance the science of aging in specific areas requiring interdisciplinary
partnerships or collaborations.” Even after creating a robust aging and cancer research infrastructure
over the last five years through the R21/33 mechanism, there remains substantial unmet need to
expand this infrastructure to develop high-impact research at the aging and cancer interface. The
overall goal remains to significantly and rapidly improve the lives of older adults with cancer through
scholarship and leadership by expanding CARG’s impact. With the support of the R21/33 mechanism, the
multiple Principal Investigators (MPI: Dale, Mohile, Hurria/Klepin) completed a coordinated, broad-based
strategy to infuse aging principles into oncology research. Through the original grant’s Aims, CARG has
become a recognized international leader for mentorship and scholarship in aging and cancer. CARG is a
coalition of aging and cancer scholars dedicated to: 1) connecting interdisciplinary investigators together; 2)
designing, implementing, and disseminating aging and cancer research; 3) mentoring new interdisciplinary
investigators in the field; and 4) disseminating and advocating for equitable research and care for older adults.
In exceeding the aims of the R21/R33 award, CARG successfully transitioned from infrastructure development
(R21) to establishment (R33), centering around six Cores and a Leadership Team. This R33 renewal is
sought to expand CARG’s impact through the following Aims: 1) Expand the reach of the infrastructure,
using the Cores, to facilitate the design and rigor of CARG’s aging and cancer research; 2) Facilitate high-priority,
impactful research at the interface of aging and cancer through pilot awards and the conduct of large, competitive
multi-site studies; 3) Identify, cultivate, and mentor CARG investigators for leadership in aging and cancer research
to develop the next generation of leaders in the field; 4) Build greater capacity for engagement with older patients
with cancer and caregivers through CARG’s patient advocacy group (SCOREboard) to further grow patient-centered
aging and cancer research; and 5) Develop and disseminate geriatric oncology-specific content including best
clinical practices, research findings, and opportunities for collaboration and advocacy through a robust
communication strategy. Ultimately, the proposed activities will substantially expand CARG’s infrastructure to
advance high-impact research aimed at improving the care of older adults with cancer globally.