Early Phase Clinical Research Support (EPCRS)

About this program

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center (Case CCC) is offering internal Early Phase Clinical Research Support (EPCRS) funds to support investigator-initiated early-phase clinical trials of relatively short duration, with priority for trials jointly developed between University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic and planned accrual at both sites; applications are accepted on a rolling basis subject to available funds. Eligible principal investigators must be Case CCC members (trainees may serve as co-PIs under mentorship); the program supports new or underfunded investigator-initiated trials expected to activate and begin enrollment within 90 days and to complete accrual within three years (with limited exceptions for small two-stage designs). Required materials are a maximum three-page project narrative, a separate draft/preliminary budget (pre-enrollment and per-patient accrual costs only), and an institutional letter confirming supplemental institutional/philanthropic support; funds cannot be used for investigator salary, major equipment, travel, or to overlap with other peer-reviewed/cooperative/industry funding and will be distributed to clinical trials units (generally based on accrual).