Lung cancer: what we fund
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of oncological mortality worldwide. Strongers funds early-career research across 7 specific areas, with a distinctive focus: studying physical activity benefits in oncological therapy.
Why lung
Lung cancer causes more deaths than breast, prostate and colorectal cancer combined. The 5-year survival rate remains low despite advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapy. It's an underfunded area per capita compared to more mediatic tumors, with huge potential impact.
Our focus: NSCLC
Strongers concentrates funding on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), about 85% of lung tumors. Verticality reflects Scientific Committee expertise and the network of researchers applying to the call.
The 7 funded research areas
Strongers For Research call accepts projects in 7 thematic areas:
Study of biological processes leading to tumor development, base for new targeted therapies.
Circulating biomarkers (cfDNA, liquid biopsy), AI/GANs for diagnostic imaging, early screening.
Immunotherapy (checkpoint inhibitors, cemiplimab, PD-L1), targeted therapies, novel combinations.
Understanding therapeutic resistance mechanisms, response predictors, sex dimorphism.
Immune-related adverse events (IRAEs), palliative management, time toxicity, patient quality of life.
Population studies, modifiable risk factors (smoking, environmental exposures), screening programs.
Distinctive Strongers area, coherent with the sport↔research mission. Studies on personalized exercise benefits for patients undergoing treatment, side-effect reduction, quality of life.
Why fund people, not projects
Strongers awards €3,000 mini-grants to individual researchers — not lab funding. The amount doesn't cover the project in full, but supports professional growth: international congresses (ASCO, ESMO, ATS, ERS), open-access publications, specialization courses. It's the right moment to make a difference in a scientific career.
Support research, apply to the call
Are you a researcher? Check requirements and apply to the next call. Are you a supporter? Every donation directly funds the people working to change the prognosis.