What does CBSS mean in CANCER

The Cancer Biomarkers Study Section (CBSS) is a peer-review group that evaluates grants submitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The CBSS scientific scope covers clinical and basic research applications in all aspects of cancer biomarkers. This includes topics such as biomarker discovery, validation, clinical translation and application, biomarker-based drug development and precision medicine approaches.

Yes, the application deadlines vary depending on which NIH Institute or Center is making the award. Please consult individual funding opportunity announcements for specific deadlines and guidelines. Typically, pre-applications must be received at least one month before the study section meeting date.

Applicants should provide detailed information about their proposed research project, including specific aims, hypothesis testing strategies, methods to be employed, materials and/or data needed, potential outcomes/products from this project, as well as any potential ethical considerations related to the research being proposed.

The CBSS membership consists of scientists from academia and industry who are experts in various aspects of cancer biology including biochemistry, bioinformatics, epidemiology, pathology and pharmacology among other disciplines. Membership changes annually based upon new recommendations from relevant NIH Institutes or Centers.

Generally speaking the CBSS meets three times per year - typically in January/February; May; and September/October.

It varies depending on the number of applications that were submitted prior to each meeting but typically it is around 30—40 applications per meeting.

Proposals are evaluated over a period of several days at each study section meeting after which time applicants are usually notified with follow-up emails within 4—6 weeks after their proposal was reviewed by CBSS members.