Funding Awarded to Break New Ground in Gastroesophageal Cancer Research

Significant Funding for Gastroesophageal Cancer Research

The DeGregorio Family Foundation, with the generous support of the Torrey Coast Foundation, has recently announced a crucial grant of $300,000 to Dr. Eric S. Fischer from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, augmenting his existing 2023 grant of $200,000 to a total of $500,000. This funding aims to revolutionize the approach towards gastroesophageal cancer, which has historically not received adequate targeted therapies despite its lethality. The project, aptly titled "Drugging the Undruggable," focuses on identifying and leveraging new druggable protein degradation targets.

Gastroesophageal cancers, which include esophageal and gastric cancers, are among the most deadly forms of cancer, with a global mortality rate exceeding 1.3 million annually. This alarming statistic underlines the pressing need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Traditional treatments have often fallen short, particularly for the majority of patients who remain without effective options beyond immunotherapy. As many patients exhibit chemo-resistant behaviors and possess the ability to metastasize, the medical community is desperate for new solutions.

Exploring Targeted Protein Degradation

Dr. Fischer and his expert team have pioneered innovative screening methods designed to discover new protein targets within esophagogastric adenocarcinomas. During the initial phases of this groundbreaking project, they achieved promising results that not only highlighted potential targets but also laid the groundwork for more effective therapies. The funds will now allow them to create initial degraders, small molecules that can effectively eliminate these disease-causing proteins by harnessing the body’s natural waste disposal systems.

This novel approach redefines the boundaries of targeted cancer therapy. While traditional drug development has focused on specific proteins like kinases, Dr. Fischer’s methodology extends the capabilities of targeted treatments to encompass proteins that are currently considered undruggable. This shift has the potential to harness new pathways for intervention, which could lead to groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of this aggressive disease.

Continuing the Fight Against Cancer

The sense of urgency behind this project cannot be overstated. As Lynn DeGregorio, President and Founder of the DeGregorio Family Foundation, expressed, the foundation is thrilled by the preliminary findings of Dr. Fischer’s work and is committed to continued support. She emphasized the importance of systematically identifying and exploiting these druggable targets as vital to improving patient outcomes.

Founded in 2006 following a tragic loss to stomach cancer within the DeGregorio family, the foundation has tirelessly raised over $8 million aimed at funding groundbreaking cancer research. Their commitment to gastric and esophageal cancer research remains unmatched, as they represent the only public foundation dedicated solely to these types of cancer.

Looking Ahead

As the project progresses, Dr. Fischer and his team aim to continue unearthing additional candidate targets while validating their discoveries. This work not only stands to fill a significant gap in our understanding of gastroesophageal cancer but also represents hope for countless patients facing this daunting diagnosis.

With such promising advancements on the horizon, this initiative exemplifies the importance of increased funding and resources in the fight against cancer, reminding us that even the most formidable challenges can be met with innovation and determination.