Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center received a $1.40M project grant from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) effective June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2029. The award supports research titled "Combined Pan and Precision Targeting in Extrachromosomal DNA-Positive Gastric Cancer," which investigates innovative therapeutic approaches for gastric cancer cases with extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) alterations. This research aligns with the DHA's mission to transform healthcare for military service members and the American public through hypothesis-driven biomedical research addressing critical health challenges.

Under this award, MD Anderson will conduct translational and clinical research activities leveraging its multidisciplinary teams of clinicians and physician-scientists to advance precision medicine and targeted therapeutic development for gastric cancer. The project deliverables are expected to include biomarker discovery, therapeutic target identification, and research findings that contribute to improved treatment strategies for patients with ecDNA-positive gastric malignancies. The three-year performance period reflects the Defense Health Agency's standard funding structure for research projects within this program, which typically ranges from two to four years and supports innovative basic and translational research at eligible academic medical centers.