2024

The following researchers will receive a $50,000, two-year research grant funded and administered by the ACPMP Research Foundation through our Research Grant Program:

2nd Cycle:

For the 1st time, we’ve opened a 2nd Catalyst Research Grant cycle in the same year & funded a 3rd $50K grant!

Andrew Lowy, MD, FACS.: University of California, San Diego

Project Title: Exploring Novel CDK 4/6 Inhibitor Combinations for Mucinous Appendix Cancer

Non-confidential summary: In a recently published study supported by funding from the Appendix Cancer PMP Research Foundation, the Lowy lab reported that the breast cancer drug, palbociclib, controlled mucinous appendix cancer growth in the majority of patients whose tumors recurred after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, and/or progressed on chemotherapy. Building on these findings, the Lowy laboratory will investigate if combining, palbociclib, with chemotherapy or new drugs targeting the KRAS protein, can more effectively kill mucinous appendix cancer cells.

1st Cycle

John Paul Shen, MD.: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Project Title: Defining the clinical and molecular landscape of Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix

Non-confidential summary: Appendiceal cancer is a both a rare and heterogenous disease, with marked differences in natural history and chemotherapy response between low- and high-grade tumors, and between different histologic subtypes. As a rare subtype of a rare disease Goblet Cell Adenocarcinoma (GCA) is particularly understudied, with virtually no quality data clinical data to guide clinical decision making or molecular data to direct drug development efforts.

In this study, we aim to improve the care of patients with GCA through an innovative approach that is both comprehensive and systematic to advance the current clinical management of patients with GCA through: (1) Real-World Evidence approach: We will study clinical information and outcomes retrospectively from patients with the GCA to identify disease features than can be predictive of treatment response and help us optimize therapy for patients with this disease. (2) Analyzing Tumor Samples: By studying the genetic makeup of GCA tumors, we hope to find new clues about how to treat them. (3) Creating Models of GCA: We’ll grow cells from GCA tumors in the lab to better understand how the disease works and test new potential treatments.

 

Patrick Wagner, MD.: Allegheny Health Network

Project Title: Defining the Immune Microenvironment in Appendiceal Cancer and the Peritoneal Cavity

Non-confidential summary: The intention of this proposal is to systematically assess the appendix cancer immune microenvironment—beginning with the primary tumor and extending into the peritoneal cavity. Patient samples from appendiceal cancers and from the peritoneal cavity will be analyzed for immune-related molecules to identify patterns and targets for future therapies for clinical trials. We expect to find targets that will differ according to key clinical subsets, such as low vs. high grade, or mucinous/signet/goblet cell composition. Funding from the ACPMP will be directly utilized to complete these studies, for which sample collection is already underway. The results of the studies will be published in medical and scientific journals and shared with other investigators interested in this disease.