Novel Immunotherapy Trial Offers Hope for Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

A New Approach to a Deadly Disease

A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway at MD Anderson Cancer Center, offering a glimmer of hope for patients battling advanced gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis – a particularly aggressive form of the disease. The trial, funded by a $500,000 grant from The DeGregorio Family Foundation, combines traditional cancer treatments with a novel immunotherapy approach utilizing engineered natural killer (NK) cells. This innovative strategy aims to directly target cancer cells while bolstering the patient's own immune response.

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge, often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Peritoneal metastasis, where cancer spreads to the lining of the abdomen, is especially difficult to treat, as it’s resistant to many conventional therapies. The current standard of care often involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but these treatments are not always effective, leaving patients with few remaining options.

Engineering Immunity: The Power of NK Cells

The trial at MD Anderson is focused on harnessing the power of NK cells, a type of white blood cell that plays a crucial role in the body’s innate immune system. Unlike T cells, NK cells don't require prior sensitization to recognize and kill cancer cells. Researchers are genetically engineering these NK cells to enhance their ability to target and destroy cancer cells, making them more effective and persistent.

“The idea is to give the immune system a boost, a targeted weapon to specifically recognize and eliminate the cancer cells,” explained a source familiar with the trial. “We’re equipping the NK cells with a receptor that specifically binds to a protein called TROP2, which is found in high levels on gastric cancer cells. This ensures that the NK cells target the cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.”

The engineered NK cells are also “armored” with a molecule called IL-15, which helps them survive and function for longer periods within the body. Furthermore, researchers are modifying the NK cells to resist suppression from the tumor microenvironment, a common challenge in cancer immunotherapy. This allows the NK cells to remain active and continue attacking the cancer cells even in the presence of immunosuppressive signals.

A Foundation Driven by Personal Loss

The DeGregorio Family Foundation has been instrumental in funding innovative research for gastric and esophageal cancers for over a decade. Founded in 2006, the foundation was established in memory of family members lost to these diseases. What sets The DeGregorio Family Foundation apart is its focused mission – it is the only public foundation dedicated to funding research for both gastric and esophageal cancers.

“The foundation was born out of a profound personal loss,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “The DeGregorio family experienced firsthand the devastating impact of these diseases, and they were determined to do something to help others avoid the same fate. They’ve raised over $13 million and are committed to supporting the most promising research efforts.”

The foundation’s funding strategy focuses on supporting high-risk, high-reward projects that have the potential to significantly advance the field. “We’re willing to take chances on innovative ideas that others might shy away from,” said the spokesperson. “We believe that by supporting bold research, we can make a real difference in the lives of patients.”

The Trial's Design and Future Outlook

The clinical trial at MD Anderson is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this combined treatment approach in patients with advanced gastric cancer that has spread to the peritoneum. The trial will involve a combination of surgery to remove visible tumors, chemotherapy to kill remaining cancer cells, and infusions of the engineered NK cells. Researchers will closely monitor patients for any side effects and assess the effectiveness of the treatment by measuring tumor response and tracking patient survival.

The preliminary results from the trial are expected to be available in the coming months. If the trial is successful, this combined treatment approach could represent a significant advance in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. Researchers hope that this approach could not only improve patient survival but also enhance their quality of life. While the research is still in its early stages, the innovative combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and engineered NK cell therapy offers a new hope for patients facing this devastating disease. The field of NK cell therapy is rapidly evolving, with numerous other trials underway exploring its potential across various cancer types. As more research is conducted, it’s likely that NK cell therapy will become an increasingly important part of cancer treatment.