Updates on Dr. Jason Sicklick's Study on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs)

Lead researcher Jason Sicklick, MD from the Moores Cancer Center at the University of California San Diego has provided an update on his clinical trial studying the efficacy of temozolomide in patients with the rare SDH-deficient gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). This project received a $500,000 grant from PHASE ONE in 2020. Since then, the clinical trial has expanded to additional regions across the United States.

Finding new sites for this clinical trial is key in order to increase both patient participation and opportunity for patient access. This study, alongside many others, has been impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. SDH-deficient GIST primarily affects adolescents and young adults, and these patients, who often travel to clinics for expertise and trials, have been largely affected by shelter-in-place orders. General medical research has shifted to focus on COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2. Despite these limitations, Dr. Sicklick and his team worked diligently to acquire institutional approval from Oregon Health Sciences University, Fox Chase Cancer Center, University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to expand this clinical trial to their respective sites.

As a result of subcontracts signed with these institutions, 11 patients are now enrolled in this clinical trial, amounting to 48% of the project’s target accrual of 23 participants. Support from the PHASE ONE Foundation contributes to all aspects of the trials at non-UCSD locations, including regulatory fees, pharmacy startup costs, and salary support. PHASE ONE is excited by the progress of this trial so far, especially during this challenging year; We look forward to sharing more updates soon.