United States National Cancer Institute Radiotherapy Development Program

The United States National Cancer Institute (NCI) has long supported research in radiotherapy since its establishment by an act of Congress in 1937. One of the first grants for research awarded in 1938 was to support work in developing a cyclotron for conducting clinical research on therapeutic uses of neutrons and radioactive isotopes. Support for training cancer specialists was given high priority in the early days of NCI. In 1961, the Cancer Centers Program was instituted which included a radiation research program that became the primary source of grant support for radiotherapy clinical research centers in the US. There is a need for radiotherapy research because approximately 50-60% of people with newly diagnosed cancers will receive radiotherapy at some time during their disease. In 1979, the Radiotherapy Development Branch (RDP) assumed responsibility for all radiation program grants including radiation physics, radiobiology, and radiotherapy. The RDB manages a portfolio of grants and contracts with an annual budget of over $45 million. In fiscal year (FY) 1984, research support for individual investigator grants, program project grants, and contracts amounted to $22, 15, and 6 million, respectively. The accomplishments of NCI research grantees and contractors in radiotherapy-related areas have been considerable over the past 45 years. It is essential that NCI continue its commitment to radiotherapy research and development.