Targeting Immune Evasion in Gastroesophageal Cancer - Stand Up To Cancer

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SU2C-Torrey Coast Foundation Gastroesophageal Cancer Research Team: Targeting Immune Evasion in Gastroesophageal Cancer

May 2023–April 2026

The SU2C-Torrey Coast Foundation Gastroesophageal Cancer Dream Team Collective includes three Research Teams focused on bringing new therapies to clinical trials for the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer in diverse populations. This Collective aims to foster new and inclusive cancer research on the causes and treatments of gastroesophageal cancer, mentor a new generation of scientists focused on gastroesophageal cancer research, bring new treatments to the clinic, and provide medical professionals with tools and materials to better advocate for gastroesophageal cancer screening and treatment with their patients. This Research Team is specifically focused on targeting immune evasion in gastroesophageal cancer for up to 70% of patients for whom current treatments don’t work.

Supported by:

ABOUT THIS TEAM’S RESEARCH

Gastroesophageal cancer (GEC) is the third most common cause of cancer mortality worldwide and its incidence is rapidly increasing among adults aged less than 50. Recently, studies led by members of the Team demonstrated that a subset of patients with metastatic HER2-negative GEC and a different subset with HER2-positive disease have the possibility of long-term survival when treated with the combination of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and chemotherapy, with HER2-directed therapy for the latter group. Nonetheless, a significant proportion of patients do not benefit from ICB (with or without HER2-directed therapy). While multiple predictors of response and resistance mechanisms to ICB have been identified, the vast majority of tumors (up to 70% of advanced GECs) are characterized by abundant copy number alterations engendered by ongoing chromosomal instability (CIN), which is associated with lower intratumoral T cell infiltration, ICB response rates, and overall survival. The Team aims to address this unmet need by investigating mechanisms of immune evasion/suppression in GEC, focusing on those caused by and related to CIN.

MEET THE TEAM

The top scientists and researchers on the SU2C-Torrey Coast Foundation Gastroesophageal Cancer Research Team: Targeting Immune Evasion in Gastroesophageal Cancer come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines, which leads them to great insights upon collaboration. Learn more about the SU2C-Torrey Coast Foundation Gastroesophageal Cancer Research Team:

TEAM MEMBERS

Yelena Janjigian, MD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Leader

Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD
Weill Cornell Medicine
Co-leader

Fiona Socolow
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Project Manager

Taha Merghoub, PhD
Weill Cornell Medicine
Principal Investigator

Aki Smith
Stomach Cancer Awareness Network
Advocate

Mindy Mordecai, JD
Esophageal Cancer Action Network
Advocate

Lynn Degregorio
DeGregorio Family Foundation
Advocate

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

Progress updates will be posted when available.

TEAM PROGRESS UPDATES

PUBLICATIONS

Links to publications will be posted when they are available.

CANCER CLINICAL TRIALS REFERRALS

Cancer clinical trials allow researchers to study innovative and potentially life-saving new treatments. The goal is to find treatments that are better than what’s currently available; in fact, the therapies offered to today’s cancer patients were almost all studied and made possible by people participating in clinical trials. But many cancer clinical trials aren’t completed because not enough people take part.

At StandUpToCancer.org/ClinicalTrials, you’ll find clinical trial information, answers to common questions, and a free clinical trial finder tool.

LEARN MORE

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