We’re calling for clinical research proposals tackling unmet needs in four upper gastrointestinal (GI) cancers: pancreatic, liver, oesophageal and gastric cancer.
Funding is available through the clinical research funding scheme and will span multiple rounds.
Explore our fundingOur spotlight calls highlight key areas where dedicated research efforts are needed to improve patient outcomes. We encourage original, high-quality research proposals to address these areas.
Funding is available through our existing schemes, as detailed for each spotlight call.
Pancreatic, liver, oesophageal and gastric cancer are four of our priority cancers of unmet need. Despite decades of progress in cancer survival overall, there are persistent barriers in translating scientific advances in these upper GI cancers into improved patient outcomes. Further clinical and translational research is needed to optimise available treatment pathways, understand therapeutic response and resistance and better inform stratified medicine approaches.
We’re calling for researchers to develop applications that address clinical and translational questions in these cancers of unmet need. In line with our clinical statement of intent, we encourage proposals that:
maximise the value of the data and samples collected
enhance understanding of cancer biology
drive more effective, kinder interventions
We have identified gaps in our research portfolio corresponding to key areas of unmet need in these upper GI cancers. We encourage applications to address these gaps, however, the funding round remains open to all study types within remit of the committee.
Identification and validation of predictive and response biomarkers to enable innovative clinical trial design and personalised clinical decision making.
Improved treatments for early-stage disease, including systemic, locoregional and peri-operative strategies (eg ablation, radiotherapy, adjuvant therapeutics) to reduce risk of recurrence and resistance.
Novel and optimised treatment combinations that effectively target the tumour microenvironment, tumour heterogeneity and other drivers of resistance.
Inclusive, PPI-informed trial designs to maximise participation in research, considering patients often excluded from trials (eg those with comorbidities, or poorer functional status), mitigating geographical disparities in access to centralised care and balancing support for experimental medicine with patient acceptability (eg serial biopsies).
Combinations incorporating KRAS inhibitors as the likely incoming SOC, including with agents targeting the tumour microenvironment
Utilising novel technologies to better characterise pancreatic cancer samples, including to better understand treatment resistance mechanisms
Application of novel modalities and personalised therapeutic approaches, including cancer vaccines, cell therapies, and novel mechanisms of targeted therapeutics
Biomarker identification and validation, including application of novel technologies such as AI and liquid biopsies, to inform patients selection for:
immunotherapies
adjuvant treatment
surgical or surgery-sparing strategies
Studies within a trial (SWATs) evaluating patient nutritional support alongside treatment
Biomarker identification and validation (including liquid biomarkers eg ctDNA) to improve patient selection and monitoring for:
immunotherapies, targeted therapeutics, and rational combinations
surgical and perioperative treatment
Evaluating treatment options for patients with hepatic function beyond Child’s Pugh A
Read our clinical statement of intent
Find out more about our work in cancers of unmet need
To support applicants in addressing the spotlight call, we’re hosting a webinar to outline the funding process, eligibility and strategic priorities.
Date: 9 June 2026
Time: 12:30-13:30 BST
Research proposals to address this spotlight call should be submitted through our clinical research funding scheme.
Applications will be reviewed through the standard Clinical Research Committee (CRC) review process. This process supports applications for clinical trials or studies, sample collection and experimental medicine awards. Funding rounds are held twice a year.
All applications will be considered alongside the full pool of CRC proposals. Primary evaluation will be based on the clinical and scientific quality, including the expected patient impact of the research. However, applications of comparable quality may be prioritised if they are of strategic importance in tackling cancers of unmet need.
Learn about our clinical research funding scheme
Watch our webinar on the clinical research funding scheme to find out more about its structure, remit and funding application process.
The only national tissue bank for pancreatic diseases. Collects data and samples from patients with pancreatic cancer and other diseases of the pancreas, as well as samples from healthy individuals and patient relatives. Submit an expression of interest to access the dataset.
One of the largest and most comprehensive collections of clinically linked multi-omics data from oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients. Access to the dataset is managed by Cancer Research Horizons.
For any questions or to set up an informal discussion on remit and the application and review process, please contact our clinical research programme team.
Contact the clinical research team
Whether you’re just starting your application or already hold funding, we offer guidance and support throughout your research career.
Our robust portfolio of clinical studies spans the clinical pipeline, including early phase and first-in-human trials, ambitious and innovative trial design, and clinical infrastructure.
We’re building strong, sustainable research communities in notoriously hard-to-treat cancers such as brain, lung, oesophagus, pancreas, liver and stomach, and can support you as you move into this field.
