We are proud to financially support the tremendous working being done at MD Anderson. The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leader in the fight back against cancer, and through groundbreaking research, experts MD Anderson have pioneered many improvements in treating stomach cancer.

About MD Anderson

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is one of the world’s most respected centers devoted exclusively to cancer patient care, research, education and prevention. Located in Houston, TX, MD Anderson has changed the world by bringing life-saving innovation from research labs into the homes and hearts of millions, for the past 75 years. 

The mission of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is to eliminate cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world through outstanding programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention, and through education for undergraduate and graduate students, trainees, professionals, employees and the public. 

Over the past six years, we have felt compelled to support research that is having a profound impact on our world’s future, and have been drawn to those with a proven track record.  We have chosen to give to those who share the same values we do, and we have had the opportunity to advance a lot of amazing programs along the way.

On April 21, 2021, we presented a $15,000 gift to MD Anderson via Zoom.  Our gift will support Naruhiko Ikoma, M.D., assistant professor of Surgical Oncology, and the Medical Oncology Gastric Cancer Research Fund.  Their next study, supported by Project Periwinkle, has a focus on holistic patient life measures; including reducing side effects from gastric cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

For 75 years, MD Anderson has been on the forefront of innovation and cancer history with life saving research that has touched millions.  Those at MD Anderson have dedicated their lives’ work to helping others, creating a better and brighter future, and shaping world renowned programs that integrate patient care, research and prevention.  We are thrilled to again support a center and program that is doing so much for those touched by this disease.  

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a place at the heart of what matters most.  Not only at the core of shaping cancer history, but giving all they can to give the best chance at treatment and life after for those affected by the disease.  While the end goal is to find a cure, quality of life for those with gastric cancer should not be neglected.

This past year has been challenging, but we haven’t lost sight on our mission as an organization.  Thank you to all those who have made this gift possible!  Your kindness and generosity has contributed to this new milestone, and the path ahead is bright because of you.

About the Program

Neoadjuvant Therapies

Due to the difficulty in administering chemotherapy or radiation after major abdominal surgery, they continue to make strides in finding better ways to provide cancer treatment prior to surgery. MD Anderson is a leader in the investigation of preoperative chemotherapy and radiation for patients with gastric cancer. They have the nation’s largest cohort of patients treated with chemoradiation therapy prior to surgery, and their current studies of outcomes associated with this approach provide an educational resource for national and international colleagues.

Clinical Trials

Since MD Anderson is one of the nation’s leading research centers, they have the expertise and experience to offer clinical trials (research studies) of new treatments for every type and stage of stomach cancer. For example, at the time of our gift:

• Recently completed the first trial in the U.S. to use heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy to treat patients with gastric cancer that has spread outside the stomach.

• They have just completed a Phase I trial — the first in the U.S. — using minimally invasive heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

• They are leading the world’s first trial of three-drug chemotherapy for gastric cancer.

• Their ongoing study of debulking surgery, gastrectomy and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy will represent the first completed trial of this technique in the U.S.

Hereditary Care

Their program in treating patients with hereditary gastric cancer has established us as a center of excellence. They have treated more than 50 families with CDH1 mutations, which are associated with high risk of a rare type of stomach cancer called hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. Their most recent initiative has been the introduction of laparoscopic and minimally invasive gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer.

Pulliative Care

For advanced gastric cancer patients with malignant bowel obstruction, they have developed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory for Gastrointestinal Obstruction — the first patient-reported outcome measure for clinical and research use. They have just completed a study using this outcome measure to assess symptom severity and quality of life in patients with stage IV disease.