NCI-Funded Cancer Epidemiology Survivor Cohorts: Overview, Progress, and Opportunities

The goal of this article was to provide an overview of the current NCI-funded large cancer epidemiology survivor cohorts (CESC).

Large CESCs were defined as observational cohort studies following at least 1,000 cancer survivors over time and collecting data on survivorship outcomes. CESCs with NCI grant funding on June 1, 2024 were identified in two ways: (i) by identifying grants funded under cancer epidemiology cohort-relevant Notice of Funding Opportunities and (ii) by applying the Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization-indexed concepts related to cohorts to the entire NCI grant portfolio in the NIH's proprietary Query, View, Reporting System and reviewing grants identified via this search for inclusion.

Thirty active grants supporting large CESCs were identified. Of the 30 CESCs, 36.7% are comprised of survivors of mixed cancer types; the remaining 63.3% are following survivors diagnosed with cancer of a single anatomic type or grouping (e.g., blood cancers). Special populations of focus include adult survivors of pediatric cancers, adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, pediatric cancer survivors, and stem cell transplant survivors. Notable gaps include cohorts following long-term cancer survivors, survivors of less common cancer types, and survivors from understudied populations.

CESCs highlighted in this article represent a substantial investment in exploring the multifaceted factors that influence cancer outcomes. These cohorts encompass an increasing diversity of cancer types, treatments, and populations.

CESCs provide valuable insights into clinical and molecular risk factors associated with cancer survivorship outcomes that inform guidelines and interventions.