A $726,000 donation from Atlanta-based charity Purple Pansies will support a TGen-led clinical trial designed to increase a patient’s unfolded protein response (UPR) to push the cancer cells to reach a state of programmed cell death. UPR is a cellular defense mechanism that, when triggered, sends signals to the cell’s nucleus to restore balance and ensure that proteins are folded properly, which is essential for normal cell function.
Led by Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D., Distinguished Professor at TGen and City of Hope, the strategy is to selectively target and kill pancreatic cancer cells by increasing their UPR to intensify the stress on the cancer cells so that their protective mechanisms become overwhelmed, leading to the death of the tumor cells. Pancreatic cancer cells are resilient and can survive under various stressful conditions. Only the strongest of those cells are able to avoid the body’s immune system, grow in low oxygen environments, thrive in areas with inflammation and scarring, and withstand aggressive treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
“To effectively treat pancreatic cancer, we need to increase the stress on these cancer cells to trigger the natural biological process called programmed cell death, similar to how leaves fall off a tree in the autumn. Pushing these cells to reach a state of programmed cell death could potentially eliminate the tumor,” said Von Hoff.
Founded in 2009 by Atlanta businesswoman and restauranteur Maria Fundora, following her mother’s death from pancreatic cancer in 2007. Purple Pansies mission is to offer immediate support in the form of emergency grants and scholarships to individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer, while funding research and clinical trials to conquer this devastating disease. Fundora’s goal is to honor her mother’s memory and make a lasting difference in the lives of others through compassion and generosity.
“Purple Pansies has proudly supported TGen and…
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