Quality Improvement in Molecular Testing Pathways for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC)
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), in collaboration with Pfizer Inc. and with participation from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO, invites proposals for pathology-centric Quality Improvement (QI) initiatives aimed at optimizing molecular testing pathways in the management of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). This grant opportunity seeks to fund sustainable projects that improve biomarker testing practices, strengthen targeted therapy selection, and support care teams in implementing patient-centered protocols.
For all quality improvement grants, the grantee is solely responsible for project design, implementation, and monitoring. Pfizer is not involved in project execution.
Date RFP Issued: January 26, 2026
Geographic Scope: United States
Clinical Area: Oncology – Gastrointestinal
Link to full RFP: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cdn.pfizer.com/pfizercom/2026-01/2026%20ONC%20US%20ASCP%20QI%20Molecular%20Testing%20Pathways%20for%20mCRC_RFP%20Final.pdf?VersionId=GBuB5Wed_iscuXftQKwiaIOE1K6ZQVzk
Application Due Date: March 31, 2026
Specific Area of Interest: The overarching goal of this program is to advance diagnostic excellence and improve treatment decision-making for patients with mCRC. To address these issues, there is an urgent need for collaborative, multidisciplinary initiatives that leverage data-driven approaches to:
- Assess current practices and identify variations in the ordering of various biomarker tests such as RAS (KRAS/NRAS) mutations, BRAF mutations, HER2 amplification, and microsatellite instability (MSI)/mismatch repair (MMR) status.
- Evaluate timeliness and efficiency by analyzing various turnaround times such as preanalytical (order to collection and collection to receipt), analytical (receipt to result) and post-analytical (result to time of action).
- Identify variations across institutions in receiving and integrating biomarker test results into a patient’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR).
- Address communication gaps to ensure effective, timely dissemination of biomarker results, thereby supporting prompt initiation of appropriate frontline treatment.
- Ensure that the right patients receive timely, appropriate, evidence-based, biomarker-informed therapies in accordance with NCCN guidelines.
- Strengthen multidisciplinary team coordination by equipping pathologists and laboratory professionals with skills and tools to improve communication and care coordination, enabling oncologists to make informed diagnostic and therapeutic decisions.
PIRA™ proposals are AI generated and are not reviewed or endorsed by the sponsoring company.