Appendix Cancer Research

We’re honored to be one of only a select number of National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country — and the only one in Georgia — developing and collaborating on lifesaving gastrointestinal cancer research initiatives, including novel therapies for the treatment of appendix cancer.

Appendix cancer research is necessary in the development of new treatments. Initiatives include genomics research, detection and diagnosis, treatment and prevention research, as well as public health research that helps our treatment teams gain greater contextual understanding of the disease. Clinical trials are one way for patients to gain access to the latest therapies they can’t get anywhere else. But given the rarity of appendix cancer, appendix cancer research trials are hard to come by. At Winship, we regularly enroll appendix cancer patients in clinical trials, including phase 1 trials testing out the newest drug therapies.

As a matter of fact, we’re currently studying targeted therapy drugs for the treatment of appendix cancer. We’re also studying therapy sequencing — the order in which treatments are delivered — to determine not only which therapies are most effective against appendix cancer, but when and how to use them. And we use outcomes research — which involves analyzing massive amounts of data to identify which treatments are working for appendix cancer in patients across the country — to help inform our treatment decisions.

Of course, treatment research is only part of the story. Through diagnostic research, we’re also continuing to gain a better understanding of appendix cancer and how to effectively and completely diagnose it. Winship gastrointestinal cancer researchers and scientists are leading the way and changing how the world prevents, detects, diagnoses, treats and survives cancer, including appendix cancer. We pioneer discoveries in the lab that are translated into the latest most effective treatments in the clinic. Our bench-to-bedside research enables us to discover, develop and deliver game-changing procedures, technologies, diagnostics and treatments. As a result, Winship is advancing appendix cancer research in every area, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, side effect reduction, recurrence and more.

Clinical trials are the third step of a five-step process for testing new therapies as outlined by the Food and Drug Administration. By the time a therapy comes to clinical trial, it has been tested in a laboratory setting and has passed preclinical safety standards.

As a research center, our physicians and scientists will make every effort to match you with a clinical trial that targets your unique cancer. It’s best if you enroll from the very beginning, so let your doctor know on your first visit if you’re interested in learning more about a clinical trial. Most clinical trials are supplemental, meaning you’ll still receive the standard therapy in addition to any treatment being studied.

Winship conducts appendix cancer research at the following locations:

• Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University (Clifton campus)
• Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown
• Winship at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital
• Emory Proton Therapy Center

We welcome trial participants from all over Georgia and beyond. Talk with your doctor about whether you are eligible to participate in a clinical trial. Our supportive oncology team can assist you with services, such as finding affordable accommodations near Winship for the duration of your clinical trial.