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Donor gift leads to innovative cancer clinical trial

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Cancer September 27, 2017

Donor gift leads to innovative cancer clinical trial

By Eileen DiFranco

When Jeff Schottenstein's wife was diagnosed with gastric cancer in 2014, he immediately jumped into action and left no stone un-turned in researching potential solutions to address her rare type of cancer. Working with doctors at Stanford and mobilizing a network of pharmaceutical and industry contacts, Schottenstein — featured in the video above — dedicated his efforts to uncovering solutions beyond traditional treatment methods.

Despite the fact that his wife wouldn't benefit, Schottenstein made a gift in her honor that he hopes might someday provide better options for others suffering from the disease. Now, thanks in large part to his gift, an innovative dual-drug trial he and his wife envisioned became reality: A new phase II clinical trial at Stanford is focusing on two immunotherapy agents for the treatment of metastatic stomach and esophageal cancers.

Previously: Cancer survivor's brother takes on "Death Ride" to benefit breast cancer research Video by Mark Hanlon/Stanford Medical Center Development

About Stanford Medicine

Stanford Medicine is an integrated academic health system comprising the Stanford School of Medicine and adult and pediatric health care delivery systems. Together, they harness the full potential of biomedicine through collaborative research, education and clinical care for patients. For more information, please visit med.stanford.edu.

director of communications

Eileen DiFranco

Eileen DiFranco is director of communications for Medical Center Development.