The Lung Cancer Research Foundation (LCRF), in collaboration with AstraZeneca, has announced two new research funding opportunities aimed at improving outcomes for people living with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of lung cancer.

Despite recent advances in cancer care, progress in SCLC has lagged behind that of non-small cell lung cancer. While patients often respond well to initial treatment, resistance frequently develops, leaving limited options for long-term disease control. Researchers are now identifying distinct molecular subtypes of SCLC, opening the door to more targeted and effective therapies.

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To support innovation in this area, LCRF and AstraZeneca have launched two competitive research awards:

• 2026 LCRF | AstraZeneca Research Award on Strategies Towards Improving the Treatment of Small Cell Lung Cancer – a three-year award worth $500,000 that will support the development of novel treatment approaches and translational research aimed at improving survival and patient outcomes.
• 2026 LCRF | AstraZeneca Research Award on Strategies Using Patient Advocacy to Improve Outcomes in Small Cell Lung Cancer – a two-year award worth $250,000 focused on advancing patient advocacy initiatives that can strengthen research efforts, improve quality of life, and enhance survivorship.

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Applications will be reviewed through a two-stage process. Letters of Intent will be accepted until July 15, 2026, after which selected investigators will be invited to submit full proposals for review by LCRF’s Scientific Advisory Board.

Nabil Chehab, US Medical Head of Lung Cancer at AstraZeneca, said “A deeper understanding of SCLC biology is essential for developing more precise and effective therapies. He noted that the awards are designed to accelerate scientific discoveries and improve care for patients facing this challenging disease.”

Dr. Antoinette Wozniak, Chief Scientific Officer at LCRF, emphasized that “SCLC remains one of the most urgent unmet needs in oncology. She highlighted the importance of supporting both groundbreaking research and patient advocacy efforts to drive meaningful progress.”