No Stomach For Cancer Awards $100,000 in New Research Grants in Gastric Cancer

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Jul 15, 2014, 08:30 ET

MADISON, Wis., July 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- No Stomach For Cancer is pleased to announce two $50,000 grant awards to fund exploration of the development of gastric cancer. In keeping with the organization's mission, these grants will facilitate research projects that hold the promise of improving prevention, diagnosis and treatment of this deadly disease.

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No Stomach For Cancer logo (PRNewsFoto/No Stomach For Cancer)

The first research grant will support Dr. David Huntsman from the University of British Columbia and Dr. Carla Oliveira from IPATIMUP, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal. Dr. Huntsman and Dr. Oliveira will conduct research into the role of how the CDH1 gene functions in relation to the development of Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC). Researchers have only an incomplete understanding of how the CDH1 gene functions in relation to the development of HDGC and Drs. Huntsman and Oliveira intend to expand the knowledge base by identifying more variants of CDH1 and pinpoint additional genes that may play some role in the development of HDGC and other forms of gastric cancer.

The second research grant will support Dr. Luis Carvajal Carmona, from the University of California at Davis, as he conducts research into the causes of familial stomach cancer through DNA sequencing. The current genetic test for familial stomach cancer is only beneficial for less than half of families and the genetic cause of remaining cases is unknown. In order to help the families in which the genetic test does not predict cancer risk, his research will focus on families from around the world for whom there is no known cause of cancer aggregation.

"We are pleased to support both of these extraordinary research projects which will increase our understanding of the evolution of gastric cancer and its underlying causes," said Beth Lambert, chair of NSFC. "It is the goal of NSFC to continue to fund research that is essential in leading to a cure for stomach cancer. NSFC is working to increase the amount of funding and support to eradicate stomach cancer."

Gastric (stomach) cancer is a deadly cancer. Worldwide, stomach cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.¹ In the U.S., gastric cancer is an often-fatal disease frequently diagnosed at late stage when the disease is incurable. The 5-year survival rate for Stage IV stomach cancer is 4% and overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 29%.²

Founded in 2009, No Stomach For Cancer, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer. The organization's mission is to support research and unite the caring power of people worldwide affected by stomach cancer. Headquartered in Wisconsin and serving families in countries around the globe, No Stomach For Cancer is a worldwide leader in raising awareness and advancing education.

For more information, please visit www.nostomachforcancer.org

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Amy N. Maggio
No Stomach For Cancer
312-617-6248
Email

Source:

¹http://www.wcrf.org/cancer_statistics/cancer_facts/stomach_cancer_china_japan_korea.php

²http://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomachcancer/detailedguide/stomach-cancer-survival rates

SOURCE No Stomach For Cancer