Grant Awarded to Identify New Druggable Targets in Gastroesophageal Cancer
Summary
Depending on results, this grant funding could increase up to $500,000.Esophagogastric cancers are highly lethal and despite advances for some patients such as immunotherapy, there is a lack of targeted therapies and other appropriate treatment options for the majority of patients.Targeted protein degradation refers to the use of small molecules called "degraders" to remove disease-causing proteins by reprogramming the human bodys waste disposal system. This work will provide the foundation for the development of novel therapeutics and fills a critical gap in the knowledge of this lethal disease.In 2020, gastric and esophageal cancers combined killed over 1.3 million people worldwide. Patients continue to face poor prognoses following gastric and esophageal cancer diagnoses due to their chemo-resistant behavior and ability to metastasize. "I am tremendously excited for the support from the DeGregorio Family Foundation to systematically identify druggable targets in this deadly disease. The Institute focuses on training new generations of clinicians and scientists, disseminating innovative patient therapies and scientific discoveries around the world, and reducing the impact of cancer.The DeGregorio Family Foundation, founded in 2006 after a 10th member of the DeGregorio family died of stomach cancer, has raised more than $8 million to fund innovative research to cure gastric and esophageal cancers.