Research Grants Awarded

The ACPMP Research Foundation has awarded $1,695,000 in the form of thirty-six research grants since 2009.

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:

 

Kjersti Flatmark, MD, Ph.D.: Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway

Project Title: Pseudovax vaccine – New treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei

Non-confidential summary: Patients with recurrent or unresectable PMP have few treatment options. This Pseudovax phase I trial will, for the first time, offer a cancer vaccine against mutated GNAS to PMP patients in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. The vaccine is intended to increase the number of immune cells against PMP and the immune checkpoint inhibitor is given to remove the inhibition of the immune cells. The hope is that this innovation can be developed to provide a cure for GNAS-mutated PMP.


Michael Foote, MD: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA

Project Title: Integrated multiomic biospecimen analysis to define molecular predictors of appendiceal adenocarcinoma evolution and treatment response

Non-confidential summary: Existing diagnostic tools fail to enable doctors to proactively anticipate peritoneal metastatic disease behavior. This translational study will use the largest existing repository of longitudinal appendix cancer samples to advance our understanding of how genomic characteristics enable peritoneal metastasis and treatment resistance. The study will also design clinically-relevant strategies to optimize surgical and systemic treatments for patients suffering from peritoneal metastatic disease.

 

ACPMP is also pleased to announce that the 2022 grant cycle is off to a promising start with many more exciting developments underway. The following researcher will receive a $50,000, two-year research grant funded and administered by the ACPMP Research Foundation.


Andreana N. Holowatyj, PHD, MS: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tn., USA

2022 Grant Funded and Administered by the ACPMP Research Foundation

Project Title: Elucidating risk factors and biomarkers of appendix cancer: A pilot study within the Appendiceal Cancer Consortium (APPECC)

Non-confidential summary: This project aims to harmonize data and collect biospecimen from five cohort studies that are participating in the Appendix Cancer Consortium (APPECC) to address research questions related to modifiable lifestyle factors, including: obesity, cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and dietary patterns; and biomarkers, of appendix cancer risk. The potential groundbreaking discovery of appendix cancer risk factors and biomarkers can provide us with novel information to begin guiding the development of appendix cancer prevention and early detection strategies in our communities.

This grant is issued in memory of: Ann Marie (Young) Rodrigues, Brian Wesley Hall, Charles Wayne Mathews, II, Daniel J. Bomaster, David Wenegar, Greta Halbritter, Jeanne L. Filipek and Daniel M. Filipek, Malinda (“Mindy”) Hoover, Mary K. Wood, Maureen Carroll, Michael J. McKee, Tammy Ann Joyce, Wendy Jane Martini, William Hassell Wilson, IV

ACPMP proudly awarded the following research grants for the 2020/2021 Grant cycle through the ACPMP Research Grant Program.

2021 Grants Awarded (announced June 2022)


Jie Li, PHD: University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
$50,000/2year

Project Title: Improving PMP models for pre-clinical testing and evaluating PMP associated bacterial functional metabolites in PMP progression and treatment

Non-confidential Summary: The project first aims to develop a reliable, reproducible animal model for pre-clinical testing of PMP, which is currently lacking. Taking advantage of this model, we will then evaluate PMP-associated bacterial functional metabolites in PMP progression and treatment. PMP-associated bacteria live in close contact with epithelial and immune cells and must either resist or manipulate host defenses to some extent. We believe that discovering the bacterial factors associated with PMP tumor growth or suppression could potentially lead to improved treatment strategies for PMP.

This grant is issued in Honor of: Bill Wise, Corky Nash, Dr. Julia Kearney, Jess & Connie Schload, Julia Rouse, Karolyn & Jerry Lewandowski, Lindsey Jacob & The Living 4 Lindsey Foundation, Renee Hill, Trisha Kurtz Spata, Wendy Forbes, Zachary Kelley


Konstantinos Votanopoulos, MD, PhD: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
$50,000/2-year


Project Title: Immune System Enhanced Appendiceal Cancer Organoids for Generation of Adaptive Immunity

Non-confidential Summary: This proposal focuses on generation of adaptive immunity in patients with appendiceal cancer that has disseminated within the peritoneal cavity. It applies an appendiceal cancer organoid platform that is patient, tumor and immune system specific, to redirect patient’s own immune system against tumor neoantigens.

This grant is issued in memory of: Anne Doll, Barrett J. Callaghan, Erik Richard Carlson, Faith E. Kleppinger, Francesca (Finley) Maletta, Julie Wright, Landon Wayne Holley, Jr., Marc Allen Rawlinson, Meghan Blomquist, Nathaniel Bryan Moss, Robin Schoener, Rosalyn S. Steinhorn, Sherry Gallagher Day, Wade Wertman


Sean Dineen, MD, MS: Moffit Cancer Center, Tampa, Fla, USA
$50,000/2-year


Project Title: Characterization of the Axl/Gas6 Pathway in the Progression of Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma

Non-confidential Summary: The immune microenvironment is known to influence treatment options and outcomes in many cancers, but is not well understood in appendix cancer. Our project describes investigations into the immune microenvironment of peritoneal lesions from appendiceal cancers, including specific pathways known to promote cancer in other sites. The findings of our study may help to better understand if immunotherapy strategies used in other cancer types could be beneficial for patients with appendiceal cancer.

This grant is issued in memory of: Ashley Hope Robinson, Brenda Auzenne, Christopher Strouse, Donald Antonich, Jr., Frank A. Ceraso, George Klasek, Heather Pollard Bowers, Jennifer A. Gehl, Kathleen Dolores Kanouse, Kevin Wilczynski, Lisa Marie Maffia, Sarah R. Halaburt-Johnson, Tara Jeanne (Larsen) Bennett, Vernon Jacob LaBeau, Jr

ACPMP proudly awarded the following research grants in 2019 through the ACPMP Research Grant Program.

2019 Grants Awarded
“Assessment of the Effects of HIPEC on the Genetic Landscape of Peritoneal Metastases from High Grade Appendiceal Neoplasms”
Oliver S. Eng, MDThe University of Chicago
$50,000/2year
This grant is issued in memory of Joseph Gouin, Carol Koch, Thomas “Tommy Tuesday” Czuprynski, Terrence Lippert, Cathy Gamino, Jay Branson, Jerry Maden, Stephen Faig, Joann Belczak, Gloria Delle Cese Ortwerth, Danielle DeVoe Godefroy and Michelle Burton.

“ctDNA for monitoring patients with Pseudomyxoma Peritonei”
Kjersti Flatmark, MD, PhD; Oslo University Hospital
$50,000/2year
This grant is issued in memory of Mike Liguori, Alexander Dalis, Rick Dodson, George Haskin, Tammy Glawson, Karen Davis Redner, Jim Cain, Stephen Thiesfeld, Jay Verbos, Sharon Perry Delaney and Ray Ruliffson.
Associated Publication: (1) “Anti-Angiogenic Treatment in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei—Still a Strong Preclinical Rationale” (Cancers (Basel). 2021 Jun; 13(11): 2819); (2) “Peptide vaccine targeting mutated GNAS: a potential novel treatment for pseudomyxoma peritonei” (J Immunother Cancer. 2021; 9(10): e003109)

ACPMP proudly awarded the following research grants in 2018 through the ACPMP Research Grant Program.

2018 Grants Awarded
Immune system enhanced appendiceal cancer organoids for ex vivo determination of immunotherapy efficacy in appendiceal cancer
Konstantinos Votanopoulos, MD, PhD; Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
$50,000/2-year
This grant is issued in memory of Barrett Peterson, Roger Graham, and Aly Kendall.

Associated Publication: “Personalized Identification of Optimal HIPEC Perfusion Protocol in Patient-Derived Tumor Organoid PlatformSteven D ForsytheShyama SasikumarOmeed MoavenHemamylammal SivakumarPerry ShenEdward A LevineShay SokerAleksander SkardalKonstantinos I Votanopoulos

Modulation of Tumor Immune Microenvironment for Enhanced Therapy of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei”
Shyh-Dar Li, PhD; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
$50,000/2 year
This grant is issued in memory of Joyce Davitz, Paula Druse, Neil Elkins, Robert FitzGerald, Marcia Fosburg, William Howard, Francine Lane, Doug Lawler, Christina Nuzik, Geoff Pierce, Stanley Pollack, Ronnie Rabon, Laura Rinier, E. Annette Sauer, and Yvonne Stevens.

ACPMP proudly awarded the following research grants in 2017 through the ACPMP Research Grant Program.

2017 Grants Awarded
Exploiting Systems Vulnerabilities in the Appendix Cancer and Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Oncogenome
J. Silvio Gutkind, PhD, Moores Cancer Center (UCSD – San Diego, Ca).
$50,000/2-year
This grant is issued in memory of Julie Fjeld, Trish Heraghty, Kim Skeen, Judy Greathouse, Jill West, Cari Burgess, Heidi Scanlon, William Jacques, Bette Davidson, Gary Wheeler, Cynthia Weakley, and Roberta Rabb.

PATRol 4 Cure (Pseudomyxoma Angiogenesis Translational Research Testing 4 anti-angiogenic drugs with animal models for PMP to propose a cure)”
Marc Pocard, MD,PhD; Professor of Surgery, Director of Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Hopital Lariboisiere & Director, Angiogenesis and Translational Research Unit, Paris, France
$50,000/2 year
This grant is issued in honor of George and Dawn Haskin, Carol Koch, Lauren Smith and Charles Klimas.

Novel animal models for the study of PMP etiology and treatment
Traci L. Testerman, PhD, University of South Carolina School of Medicine (Columbia, SC)
$50,000/2-year
This grant is issued in memory of Michael Weber, Sr., Dylan Blanchard, Ross Kent, Kim Dziabis, Mark Connolly, Randy Merrill, Sharon Leinbach, and Karen Teasdale.
Update from Dr. Testerman dated 12-2018

**Role of bacteria in the development and progression of pseudomyxoma peritonei
D. Scott Merrell, PhD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (Bethesda, MD)
$50,000/2-year
This grant is issued in honor of Robert Carr, Richard Boozell, Jeremy Kitzhaber, The Richter Family, Dave Wood (and the sisters of Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Arizona), and Scott Montgomery (replacement for 2016 grant).
**A 2016 grantee, Venkatesh Govindarajan, PhD, Creighton University (Omaha, NE) was unable to fulfill the commitment to perform the research and as such, the grant was rescinded. We have therefore awarded this replacement grant in its place.
Associated Publication:Pre- and post-operative antibiotics in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) should be considered for pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) treatment” Merrell DS, McAvoy TJ, King MC, Sittig M, Millar EV, Nieroda C, Metcalf JL, Blum FC, Testerman TL, Sardi A

2016 Grants Awarded
The effect of Bromelain and N-acetylcysteine on appendiceal adenocarcinoma and pseudomyxoma peritonei in vitro and LS174T in vivo: development of a novel mucolytic agent and progression to a phase I/II study
David L. Morris, MD, PhD, St George Hospital (Australia)
$50,000/2-year
This grant is issued in memory of Tyler Wright, Nancy Reed, Thomas Mullen, Shelley Mulvaney, Michael Dotta, Njoud Al-Qubaisi, Joanna Garvey, Bea Varra, Mark Fassio, William (Sonny) Hovan, Gail Reed, Mark Truelsen, and Frances Lewis
Update from Dr. Morris dated 12-2018
Associated Publication:A novel treatment of bromelain and acetylcysteine (BromAc) in patients with peritoneal mucinous tumours: A phase I first in man study” Valle SJ, Akhter J, Mekkawy AH, Lodh S, Pillai K, Badar S, Glenn D, Power M, Liauw W, Morris DL

Targeting the MEK-ERK pathway as a therapeutic option for Pseudomyxoma peritonei
Venkatesh Govindarajan, PhD, Creighton University (Omaha, NE)
$50,000/2-year
**Status: Withdrawn

2015 Grants Awarded
Developing a Novel Drug Delivery Platform for Targeting Hyaluronan
Dr. Wilbur Bowne, Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery, Drexel University College of Medicine and Dr. Hao Cheng, Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
$50,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of Ann-Marie Barnes, Tobin Korsch, Caryl McClure, Gregory Giuliani, and Eleanor Culbertson.
Updates from Professors Bowne and Cheng dated 04-2017, 10-2017 and 05-2018

Associated Publication: “Slippery Nanoparticles as a Diffusion Platform for Mucin Producing Gastrointestinal Tumors” (Ann Surg Oncol. 2019 Jun 11)

Cure4PMP — Genomic Biomarkers and Actionable Targets” Kjersti Flatmark, MD, PhD, Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital Norway.
$50,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of Debbie Fink Green, Joanna Whyte, Dorothea Hadlick, Jay Walters, Irina Karnaugh, and Thomas Murphy.
Update from Kjersti Flatmark, MD, Ph.D dated 08-2016
Update from Kjersti Flatmark, MD, Ph.D dated 02-2017
Update from Kjersti Flatmark, MD, Ph.D dated 07-2017
Final Research Update from Kjersti Flatmark, MD, Ph.D dated 04-2018

2014 Grants Awarded
T cell Immunotheraphy for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei
Dr. Steven Katz of Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI and Dr. Cherif Nazmy Boutros of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
$50,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of Doug Selmont, Keith Surges, Gail Arakelian, Daniel Cuoco, Robert McGee, Connie Grigsby, Linda Granbois, Kathleen DeFelice, Frances Lewis, and Stephen Costello
Update from Drs. Katz & Boutros dated 01-2016
Update from Drs. Katz & Boutros dated 07-2016
Update from Drs. Katz & Boutros dated 01-2017
Update from Drs. Katz & Boutros dated 08-2017
Associated Publication: “Regional CAR-T cell infusions for peritoneal carcinomatosis are superior to systemic delivery.” (Cancer Gene Ther. 2016 May; 23(5): 142–148.)

Targeted Parallel Pathway Blockade as a Treatment Option for Pseudomyxoma Peritonei” Dr. Venkatesh Govindarajan of Creighton University, Omaha, NE.
$50,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of Jim Disney, Barb Serbu, Denise Cannon, Bill Patchak, Patty McGroarty, Vincent Montagna, Frank Loughry, George Sheaffer, and Thomas Murphy
Updates from Dr. Venkatesh Govindarajan dated 2015-2017
Associated Publication: “Bilateral blockade of MEK- and PI3K-mediated pathways downstream of mutant KRAS as a treatment approach for peritoneal mucinous malignancies” (PLoS One. 2017; 12(6): e0179510)

2013 Grants Awarded
Targeting Core Signaling Networks in Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix”
Andrew Lowy, MD, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego
$50,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of PMPRF founder and former president, Lisa Luciano.
Research Update from Dr. Andrew Lowy, MD dated 08-2015
Research Update from Dr. Andrew Lowy, MD dated 02-2016
Research Update from Dr. Andrew Lowy, MD dated 03-2016
Final Research Update from Dr. Andrew Lowy, MD dated 10-2016

“Carcinoembryonic Antigen – A Pro-Angiogenic Factor in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei – is a Potential Target for Therapy”
Principal Investigator: Peter Thomas, Ph.D. Surgery and Biomedical Sciences, Creighton University
$25,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of founding PMPRF board member and former treasurer, Michael Dvorsky.
Research update from Peter Thomas, Ph.D dated 07-2015
Research update from Peter Thomas, Ph.D dated 02-2016
Research update from Peter Thomas, Ph.D dated 02-2016
Research update from Peter Thomas, Ph.D dated 09-2016
Associated Publication: “Patient‐derived xenograft mouse models of pseudomyxoma peritonei recapitulate the human inflammatory tumor microenvironment” (Cancer Med. 2016 Apr; 5(4): 711–719)

“PMP: Biologic Foundations for New Treatment Options”
Principal Investigator: Venkatesh Govindarajan, Ph.D. Department of Surgery, Creighton University
$25,000/2-year
Awarded in memory of founding PMPRF board member and former treasurer, Michael Dvorsky.
Research update from Venkaesh Govindarajan, Ph.D dated 06-2015
Research update from Venkaesh Govindarajan, Ph.D dated 10-2015
Research update from Venhaesh Govindarajan, Ph.D dated 03-2016
*Dr. Govindarajan’s 2013 study was completed ahead of schedule
Associated Publication: “Patient‐derived xenograft mouse models of pseudomyxoma peritonei recapitulate the human inflammatory tumor microenvironment” (Cancer Med. 2016 Apr; 5(4): 711–719)

2012 Grants Awarded
“Genomic Analysis of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei and Cancer of the Appendix”
Edward Levine, MD, Wake Forest School of Medicine, North Carolina, USA
$50,000/2 year
Research Update 2 from Edward Levine, MD dated 02/2014
Research Update 3 from Edward Levine, MD dated 08/2014
Final Research Update from Edward Levine, MD dated 07/2015
Associated Publications: (1) “Prognostic Molecular Subtypes of Low-Grade Cancer of the Appendix” (J Am Coll Surg. 2016 Apr; 222(4): 493–503); (2) “Prognostic Molecular Classification of Appendiceal Mucinous Neoplasms Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy” (Ann Surg Oncol. 2020 May; 27(5): 1439–1447)

“Significance of a Novel Genetic Alteration in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei”
Shigeki Sekine, MD, PhD, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
$50,000/2 year
Associated Publications: (1) “Frequent GNAS mutations in low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms.” (Br J Cancer. Mar 5, 2013; 108(4): 951–958); (2) “Frequent lack of GNAS mutations in colorectal adenocarcinoma associated with GNAS-mutated villous adenoma.” (Genes Chromosomes Cancer. 2014 Apr;53(4):366-72)

2011 Grants Awarded
“Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: Prognostic Analysis of Micro-RNA and Other Biological Factors Using Tissue Microarray”

Marcello Deraco, MD, Director, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Management Program, Fondazione IRCCS Instituto Nazionale Tumor (National Cancer Institute), Milano, Italy
$50,000/2 year
Research update from Marcello Deraco, MD, dated 8/7/13
Associated publication: “FOLFOX-4 Chemotherapy for Patients With Unresectable or Relapsed Peritoneal Pseudomyxoma.” (Oncologist. 2014 Aug; 19(8): 845–850)

“Sequencing the Cancer Genome of Mucinous Adenocarcinoma of the Appendix”
Andrew Lowy,MD, Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
$50,000/2 year
Associated Publication: Genome-wide mutational landscape of mucinous carcinomatosis peritonei of appendiceal origin.” (Genome Medicine 2014, 6:43)

“Preclinical Targeting of the Goblet Cell Differentiation Pathway in Pseudomyxoma Peritonei”
Andrew Renehan, PhD, FRCS, Senior Lecturer in Cancer Studies and Surgery, School of Cancer and Enabling Sciences, University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
$50,000/2 year
Research update from Andrew Renehan, PhD, FRCS, dated 8/7/13
Final research update from Andrew Renehan, Phd, FRCS, dated 8/2017

2010 Grants Awarded
“Treating PMP Using Small Molecule Inhibitors of Gel-forming Mucin Productions”
Zongsheng Guo, Ph.D., Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

$50,000/2 year
Research update from Dr. Guo, dated 10/18/11
Associated Publications: (1) “Chronic anti-inflammatory drug therapy inhibits gel-forming mucin production in a murine xenograft model of human pseudomyxoma peritonei.” (Ann Surg Oncol. 2012 May;19(5):1402-9); (2) “Mucin as a therapeutic target in pseudomyxoma peritonei.” (J Surg Oncol. 2012 Dec; 106(7):911-7); (3) “Life after death: targeting high mobility group box 1 in emergent cancer therapies.” (Am J Cancer Res. 2013; 3(1): 1–20); (4) “Mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition reduces mucin 2 production and mucinous tumor growth.” (Transl Res. 2015 Mar 28); (5)  “Targeting G-protein coupled receptor-related signaling pathway in a murine xenograft model of appendiceal pseudomyxoma peritonei” (Oncotarget. 2017 Dec 5; 8(63): 106888–106900).

“MicroRNA Profiling of Clinically Different Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Phenotypes”
Brendan Moran, MD, FRCS; Alex Mirnezami, PhD, FRCS, National Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Center-Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Basingstoke, UK –and– The Cancer Research UK Center, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
$50,000/2 year
Research update from Dr. Mirnezami and Dr. Moran dated 11/29/11 

“Translational Biology of Pseduomyxoma Peritonei”
Aaron A. Mansfield, MD; Robert Miller, MD, MSJulian Molina, MD, PhDFernando Quevado, MD, Department of Radiation Oncology and Division of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
$50,000/2 year
Research update from Dr. Miller, dated 8/7/13
Associated Publication: “Concurrent MCL1 and JUN amplification in pseudomyxoma peritonei: a comprehensive genetic profiling and survival analysis.” (J Hum Genet. Mar 2014; 59(3): 124–128)

2009 Grants Awarded
“Identification of molecular targets in pseudomyxoma peritonei via clonal analyses of metastases”

Herbert Zeh, MD, PhD; Co-Director, UPCI GI Oncology Program, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
$50,000/2 year
Awarded in memory of Dutch Culbertson
Research update from Dr. Zeh, dated 5/4/12
Research update from Dr. Zeh, dated 11/8/11
Research update from Dr. Zeh, dated 1/3/11

“Establishing Methods for Evaluating Anti-tumor Therapies for Treatment of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Using Gene Profiles and Immortalized Cells”
Andrew Renehan, MD, PhD; Senior Lecturer in Cancer Studies and Surgery, Department of Surgery and Peritoneal Tumor Service, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
$50,000/2 year
Awarded in honor of Jerry Lewandowski
Research update from Dr. Renehan, dated 11/14/11
Research update from Dr. Renehan, dated 5/1/12
Associated publication: “Global gene expression in pseudomyxoma peritonei, with parallel development of two immortalized cell lines.” (Oncotarget. 2015 Apr 13)

“Development of Animal Models for the Study of Pseudomyxoma and Evaluation of the Role of Anti-Angiogenesis in the Control of this Tumor”
Marc Pocard, MD, PhD; Professor of Surgery, Director of Research, National Institute of Health and Medical Research, Hopital Lariboisiere & Director, Angiogenesis and Translational Research Unit, Paris, France
$50,000/2 year
Awarded in honor of Mel R. Kurtz
Research update from Dr. Pocard, dated 10/7/10
Associated publication: “Orthotopic Animal Model of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei: An in Vivo Model to Test Anti-Angiogenic Drug Effects.” (Am J Pathol. 2014 May 9)

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