Bridging the gap: Health disparity research initiatives through the department of defense (DOD) congressionally directed medical research programs (CDMRP) prostate cancer research program (PCRP)

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 2551 Background: The Minority Health Initiative was launched in fiscal year 1997 (FY97) for the CDMRP. The primary purpose of this initiative was to increase the quantity and quality of CDMRP-funded cancer research on minority populations and to address the disparities in the incidence, prevalence, morbidity, and mortality rates of prostate cancer. Methods: The PCRP has disbursed funds via a two-step peer-reviewed process recommended by the Institute of Medicine. This report analyzes the DOD PCRP Health Disparity Research Initiatives and funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) from FY97-04. Results: For Health Disparity Research Initiatives approximately $36.0 million (M) has been awarded through FY03, and approximately $5.9M has been approved for funding in FY04. Additionally, 20 awards have been made to 11 HBCU institutions totaling $7.7M, and 46 awards have been made to seven minority institutions (MI) through FY03. In FY04 approximately $2.2M and $5.2M have been approved for funding HBCU and MI, respectively. The leading areas of funded research have focused on genetics, diet, biomarkers, quality of life, prevention, and risk factors. Two award mechanisms, the HBCU Collaborative Partnership Award and the HBCU/MI Undergraduate Collaborative Summer Training Award, were presented by the PCRP in FY04 addressing these issues. Conclusions: The DOD’s Minority Health Initiative is strengthening the nation’s prostate cancer research portfolio by encouraging investigators to address the needs of minorities and other underserved populations in their research protocols and to encourage minority investigator and institution participation in the grant process.