NOTABLE RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Our supported scientists have made remarkable advances in the fight against cancer. Here are some notable research highlights in 2025-2026 supported by your generous donations.
Advancing targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers
Our supported scientists are working to develop new treatments for gastrointestinal cancers, including pancreatic, gastric, and colorectal cancers. These diseases remain difficult to treat and often have limited treatment options.
This research focuses on Cadherin-17 (CDH17), a protein found at high levels in several gastrointestinal cancers. Scientists are developing therapies designed to recognize this protein and deliver treatment directly to cancer cells.
One promising therapy recently received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for pancreatic cancer, an important step that help accelerate the
development of new treatments for patients with this devastating disease.
Researchers are also expanding additional approaches that use the immune system and other targeted strategies to attack CDH17 positive tumors.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, this work is helping move new targeted therapies for gastrointestinal cancers closer to patients.
Why Your Support Matters
Pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers have low survival rates and limited treatment options. Research like this may help create more precise and effective treatments for patients in the future
Developing new localized treatment for oral and head & neck cancers
Our supported scientists are developing innovative ways to treat oral and head & neck cancers while reducing side effects for patients.
Traditional treatments for these cancers often include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, which can affect speech, swallowing and quality of life. Researchers are exploring new
approaches that deliver chemotherapy directly to the tumor site, helping limit exposure to the rest of the body.
One approach uses a small patch that delivers the chemotherapy drug cisplatin directly to early oral cancer lesions. In an ongoing clinical study reported by the research program, most
patients treated with this therapy experienced a complete response, meaning no cancer cells were detected in the treated tissue.
Scientists are also studying additional approaches, including treatments that can be injected directly into tumors and therapies applied to the surgical site after tumor removal.
With support from our donors, these new approaches may help provide less invasive treatment options for patients with oral and head & neck cancers.
Why Your Support Matters
Treatments for oral and head & neck cancers can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. New localized therapies may help treat cancer effectively while reducing the impact of treatment on everyday activities.
