PLYMOUTH MEETING, PA — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Oncology Research Program (ORP) has announced the awarding of three new grants to advance clinical research in gastrointestinal cancers. The funding, made possible through a research grant from Taiho Oncology, Inc., will support investigator-led projects exploring the potential of tipiracil/trifluridine (FTD/TPI) and futibatinib as therapeutic options for some of the most challenging cancer cases.
Gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal and gastric cancers, represent a major health concern globally, accounting for a significant portion of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. For many patients, particularly those in advanced disease stages, treatment options remain limited. The new grants aim to address this gap by supporting research designed to expand understanding and explore innovative combinations of therapies.
“Innovative research is essential for driving progress in cancer care,” said Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, Chief Executive Officer of NCCN. “We are proud to support these investigators as they explore new ways to potentially improve outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. These grants will enable the exploration of novel strategies and combinations that could lead to more effective options in the future.”
Funded Research Projects
The grants have been awarded to three prominent cancer centers for investigator-led studies aimed at advancing therapeutic approaches for gastrointestinal cancers. The projects include:
- Madison Conces, MD, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center/University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center and Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, leading a Phase II trial examining trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) combined with oxaliplatin for advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer following first-line treatment.
- Christos Fountzilas, MD, FACP, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, investigating the use of TAS-102 (tipiracil/trifluridine) with PARP inhibitors as maintenance treatment for advanced TP53 mutant pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
- Chengwei Peng, MD, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, conducting a Phase I dose-escalation trial of futibatinib in combination with paclitaxel/ramucirumab for second-line gastroesophageal cancer treatment.
The studies will explore innovative therapy models, including combining targeted drugs and conducting advanced clinical trials, to help improve patient outcomes with gastrointestinal cancers.
“External research is so important to generate additional data and improve care for patients with gastrointestinal cancers,” said Tehseen Salimi, MD, MHA, Senior Vice President and Head of Medical Affairs at Taiho Oncology. “At Taiho, we strive to improve the lives of patients with cancer, their families and their caregivers. We are pleased to support the NCCN Oncology Research Program in their important mission to foster innovation and knowledge discovery that improve the lives of patients with cancer.”
Looking Forward
With the support of NCCN and Taiho Oncology, these projects aim to generate meaningful insights into treatment methodologies that can address unmet medical needs. By focusing on targeted therapies such as FTD/TPI and futibatinib, the research could lead to breakthroughs in how gastrointestinal cancers are managed and treated, offering patients more effective options and hope for improved outcomes.
This initiative marks a step forward in the fight against one of the most pressing global health challenges, emphasizing the importance of collaborative innovation in cancer research.
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