Targeting FGFR Alterations in Gastroesophageal Cancer
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11384543 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study aiming to improve treatment for stomach and esophagus cancers by targeting FGFR2 alterations, including combinations with antibody therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $677,093 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA294689-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384543 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma whose tumors show FGFR2 amplification, FGFR2 fusion, or overexpression and who are eligible for FGFR-targeted therapies or combination regimens.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without FGFR2 alterations or those unlikely to receive FGFR-targeted therapy may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, a cancer with often poor survival when advanced. It explores FGFR2 alterations and how they affect response to standard chemotherapy. Researchers are investigating new approaches, including antibody-based therapies and combinations to overcome resistance to existing FGFR-directed treatments. The study considers antibody-drug conjugates and biparatopic antibodies as ways to more effectively block FGFR2 signaling in patients whose tumors harbor FGFR2 changes. If successful, this could lead to better response rates and longer progression-free survival for patients with FGFR2-driven GE cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with FGFR2-altered GE cancers could experience better responses to therapy and longer times without disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Early trials with FGFR2-targeted therapies show hints of benefit, with resistance emerging in some cases, suggesting combination strategies may be needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ryeom, Sandra — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Ryeom, Sandra
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
FGFR-targeted treatments for stomach and esophagus cancer
Developing new drug combinations that target FGFR2 changes for people with gastroesophageal (stomach and esophagus) cancer.
-
Combining immunotherapy to improve treatment for metastatic gastroesophageal cancer
This study is exploring a new way to treat advanced stomach and esophagus cancer by using a mix of immune therapies to help your body fight the cancer better, and it's designed for patients looking for improved treatment options.
-
Targeting specific changes in a cancer-related gene in stomach and esophagus cancer
This study is looking at new ways to treat stomach and esophagus cancer for patients with certain changes in their FGFR2 gene, by combining regular chemotherapy with special targeted treatments to help improve their chances of recovery.
-
MGC030 in adults with advanced solid tumors
This trial tests MGC030 in adults with advanced urothelial, gastric/GEJ, esophageal, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic, or GEJ cancers to see if it is safe and whether it can shrink tumors or stop growth.
-
First-in-human dose study of DA-3501 for CLDN18.2-positive stomach, GEJ cancer, and pancreatic cancer
A first-in-human study tests DA-3501 in adults with CLDN18.2-positive advanced stomach/GEJ cancer or pancreatic cancer to find a safe, effective dose.
-
Collecting blood and leftover tumor tissue to test molecular residual disease (MRD) detection
This project will test whether blood and leftover tumor tissue from adults with certain solid tumors can be used with Natera's MRD blood tests to find tiny amounts of cancer (ctDNA) after treatment.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.