The Appy Files, Episode 1: A New Immunotherapy Trial for Peritoneal Disease

Meet The Appy Files, ACPMP’s new podcast bringing together expert insights and community connection to explore the latest in appendix cancer research. The podcast is hosted by ACPMP Patient Liaison Shannon Altpeter, DMSc, PA-C, a surgical oncology physician assistant at Allegheny Health Network.

Episode 1: TLR9 immunotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis

In our first episode, Shannon sits down with Dr. Khaldoun Almhanna of Brown University to discuss an emerging Phase 1 clinical trial exploring TLR9 immunotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis (cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen) from appendix and colorectal cancers.

Dr. Almhanna describes TLR9 receptors as “sensors” on immune cells that can recognize when something doesn’t belong and help activate an immune response. The peritoneal cavity has a unique immune environment that can make disease there especially challenging to treat. This investigational approach explores whether activating the immune system and delivering treatment directly into the abdomen could offer another option for certain patients.

Tune in on Spotify to hear the science, learn about the trial, and get to know the physician behind the research. You can read more about the trial in our post on the ACM-CpG Phase 1 trial.

How to listen

Listen and follow The Appy Files on Spotify. Follow the podcast to stay up to date on new episodes, and if you enjoy listening, please leave a rating and review – every follow, rating, and review helps more people discover these important appendix cancer conversations.

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