Gastric Cancer Foundation Funds Important New Stomach Cancer Research

The Gastric Cancer Foundation recently announced a new $75,000 research grant to The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This funding will support research efforts aimed at developing new therapies for peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC).

The peritoneum lines the abdomen and encases the stomach and colon. At present, there is a poor understanding of gastric cancer cells within the peritoneal cavity. What is known is that once gastric cancer spreads to the peritoneal cavity, patients are unable to eat and develop malnutrition.  Current therapies are of little help, and new treatment options are urgently needed to improve patient outcomes.

The research project is led by Jaffer A. Ajani, MD, Professor of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. The research will identify new targets for patients who develop PC.

“Our lack of successful treatments for this cancer is devastating to our patients and their families,” says Dr. Ajani. “We believe the only way forward to viable therapies is through a comprehensive molecular investigation of PC. We are enthusiastic and optimistic about this work.”

Paul Gottsegen, Foundation Board Chair, says the Gastric Cancer Foundation is determined to defeat stomach cancer.

“We are honored to support the brightest lights in cutting-edge research as they investigate new possibilities and provide hope for patients,” says Gottsegen. “We’re proud to make this grant to fund the important work of Dr. Ajani and his amazing team at MD Anderson.”