A pioneering clinical trial at UCI Health is offering new hope for patients with advanced gastric cancer, particularly addressing the rising incidence rates among Hispanic populations. The Phase 2 trial, named Stopgap, introduces an innovative three-pronged approach to combat gastric carcinomatosis, a severe stage of stomach cancer with traditionally poor survival rates.
Dr. Maheswari Senthil, a surgical oncologist, and Dr. Farshid Dayyani, a medical oncologist at UCI Health, are spearheading this groundbreaking research. "Stomach cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide," notes Dr. Senthil. "Once it reaches the advanced stages, patients often have a survival rate of little more than six months. This is especially concerning in our community, where we serve a large Hispanic population that's experiencing rising incidence rates."
Novel Treatment Approach
The Stopgap trial employs a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses the limitations of conventional therapies. The innovative regimen includes:
- Direct infusion of chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity (normothermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy)
- Simultaneous administration of intravenous chemotherapy
- Cytoreduction surgery to remove visible cancerous tissue
- Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for eliminating microscopic cancer cells
"By combining these methods, we hope to improve outcomes for patients who have already undergone standard chemotherapy," explains Dr. Dayyani. "The goal is to provide a more aggressive treatment option that targets cancer cells where they reside."
Addressing Health Disparities
Recent statistics highlight the urgent need for improved treatment options, particularly among Hispanic populations in Southern California. The gastric cancer incidence rate among Hispanics stands at 12 per 100,000, nearly double that of other ethnic groups.
"The factors contributing to this disparity are complex and include diet, lifestyle and genetic predisposition," Dr. Senthil explains. "We've observed that many patients present with advanced-stage cancer, which often results in poor outcomes."
Expanding Research Impact
Since its inception in 2021, the Stopgap trial has garnered significant attention, attracting participants from beyond the local region. Building on this momentum, the research team is preparing to expand the trial across 30 institutions nationwide, including prestigious centers like Mayo Clinic and Yale University, with the expansion scheduled for 2025.
The trial's development was made possible through initial funding from the UCI Anti-Cancer Challenge in 2017, which has raised over $6.2 million since its establishment and supported 123 pilot studies and early-phase clinical trials. This support has catalyzed an additional $44.5 million in extramural funding for UCI researchers.
"Without it, we wouldn't have been able to launch Stopgap or secure further national support," acknowledges Dr. Dayyani, emphasizing the crucial role of philanthropic support in advancing cancer research. The team continues to seek additional funding to address broader challenges and improve outcomes for early-stage cancer patients.
