Michael F. Price Memorial Grant Fuels Promising Cancer Stem Cell Research for Clinical Trials

Michael F. Price Memorial Grant Fuels Cancer Stem Cell Research

The DeGregorio Family Foundation, in collaboration with the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, has made a significant contribution to cancer research with the awarding of an additional $75,000 under the Michael F. Price Memorial Grant. This vital funding is directed towards Dr. Anthony Capobianco, a leading researcher at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Capobianco is at the forefront of cancer stem cell research aimed at developing innovative treatments for gastrointestinal cancers.

With the additional grant, the research initiative will focus on advancing two groundbreaking drugs, SSTN-302 and SST-1034, into a Phase I clinical trial. This trial is designed for patients suffering from advanced upper gastrointestinal cancers. The progress being made builds upon prior findings that highlighted the ability to effectively disrupt cancer stem cells (CSCs) through the dual inhibition of the Notch and Wnt pathways. The initial research demonstrated promising results, and the new funding will propel the project to a critical next stage.

Dr. Capobianco expressed gratitude for the support, acknowledging the pivotal role that both the DeGregorio Family Foundation and the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association have played in facilitating this next step in their research. He emphasized on the potential impacts of their work: “Our preclinical research showed that simultaneous targeting of the Notch and Wnt pathways with these drugs can eliminate cancer stem cell populations and improve treatment durability when combined with standard chemotherapy.” This novel approach promises to amplify the effectiveness of existing treatments and could lead to improved outcomes for patients.

The upcoming Phase I trial, potentially hosted at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, aims to assess the safety and preliminary effectiveness of this new combination therapy. Esophageal and gastrointestinal cancers are notorious for their aggressive nature and resistance to existing treatment modalities, which makes this research even more critical. Approximately 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide are attributed to gastrointestinal and esophageal cancers, highlighting an urgent need for innovative therapies.

The research led by Dr. Capobianco, in partnership with StemSynergy Therapeutics, focuses on designing first-of-their-kind small molecule inhibitors that directly target the key drivers of tumor growth, metastasis, and drug resistance—the cancer stem cells. With a mission to transform patient care, the initiative aims to improve efficacy while reducing the burden of current therapies.

Lynn DeGregorio, President and Founder of the DeGregorio Family Foundation, expressed excitement about supporting the next phase of Dr. Capobianco's research, stating, “We are thrilled to support this next step as it gets closer to the clinic.” The Foundation, established in 2006 following the loss of a family member to stomach cancer, has since raised over $13 million to fund crucial research that seeks to find cures for gastric and esophageal cancers—the only public foundation dedicated to these causes.

This grant not only facilitates groundbreaking research but acts as a catalyst for change, transforming scientific discovery into tangible clinical impact. As the research progresses, the hope is to fundamentally improve the prognosis for patients afflicted by these challenging diseases, increasing drug efficacy and creating lasting therapeutic responses. The advancements in this field could reshape the landscape of cancer treatment, offering new hope to patients and their families.

In summary, the continued funding towards this promising research emphasizes a strong commitment to addressing the pressing need for effective treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, and organizations like the DeGregorio Family Foundation are instrumental in driving that vital effort forward.