#USA #New York #DeGregorio Foundation #Gastroesophageal Cancer #Stem Cell Research

$1 Million Awarded for Groundbreaking Research on Gastroesophageal Cancer

The DeGregorio Family Foundation, in collaboration with the Torrey Coast Foundation's Gastro Esophageal Investigator Network Initiative (GEMINI), has committed $450,000 to Dr. Saar Gill, a leading researcher at the University of Pennsylvania. This funding is part of a larger $1 million grant awarded to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy for gastroesophageal cancer using cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques.

Dr. Gill and his research team are working on an innovative approach to bolster the body's immune response against cancer by genetically modifying human blood-forming stem cells. The goal is to create Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) macrophages, specialized immune cells that can actively target and destroy cancer cells upon injection into solid tumors.

“This grant will allow us to continue our work on what I hope will become a transformational technological advance in cancer treatment,” said Dr. Gill, highlighting the importance of this funding. “There are not many funding bodies that have the foresight and courage to invest in such out-of-the-box concepts, and I look forward to repaying the Foundation's trust in me.”

The Challenge of Solid Tumors

Despite the success of CAR T-cell therapies in the treatment of blood-related cancers, the results in solid tumors have been less encouraging. Dr. Gill pointed out that the tumor microenvironment (TME), which consists of cancer cells and a supportive network of immune cells, complicates efforts to treat these cancers. The TME is often filled with macrophages that have been co-opted by the tumor, undermining their capacity to combat the cancer effectively.

Dr. Gill's project aims to convert macrophages into a Trojan Horse that can infiltrate and dismantle upper gastrointestinal tumors. By bioengineering monocytes—precursors to macrophages—from stem cells, the research team hopes to generate a continuous supply of effective, cancer-fighting cells.

Innovations Leading to Breakthroughs

In recent years, Dr. Gill’s laboratory achieved significant milestones by developing CAR macrophages from blood monocytes. These engineered macrophages demonstrated the ability to target cancer cells; however, their functional lifespan was limited. The new direction aims to implant CAR constructs into stem cells, theoretically resulting in lifelong production of these specialized cells.

The urgency for effective treatments for gastric and esophageal cancer cannot be overstated. In 2020, these cancers together were responsible for over 1.3 million deaths globally, with patients facing grim outcomes primarily due to treatment resistance and high metastatic potential.

“Dr. Gill's work presents the possibility of great advancements in the treatment and personalization of gastroesophageal cancer therapy,” stated Lynn DeGregorio, President and Founder of the DeGregorio Family Foundation.

About the DeGregorio Family Foundation

Founded in 2006 in memory of a family member who succumbed to stomach cancer, the DeGregorio Family Foundation has raised more than $12 million towards innovative research aimed at finding cures for gastric and esophageal cancers. It is recognized as the only public foundation dedicated to funding research initiatives for these conditions. As part of its ongoing commitment, the Foundation encourages contributions to support its mission.

By investing in cutting-edge research and innovative therapies, the DeGregorio Family Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in the fight against some of the most challenging cancers, potentially offering new hope for patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal cancers.