By committing to ride 500+ miles across New York State while raising funds for cancer research, Empire State Ride (ESR) road warriors know they are making a difference. The impact of ESR is happening right now, in New York State and worldwide.
When a rider raises $10,000 or more, they achieve Excelsior status. Within that group, road warriors who raise $20,000 or more reach a new level. Their funds are designated to a specific research project, approved by the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Here’s a look at the most recent SAC grant awarded to promising cancer research.
Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Research
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a devastating disease with a five-year overall survival rate of only 13%. That high death rate is largely due to the fact that the disease is often diagnosed too late and tends to be resistant to commonly used treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Current immune therapies, which are designed to help the body fight cancer, have not been very effective against PDAC because the tumor has a dense and poorly developed blood supply.
That’s where Dr. Aftab Alam and his team at Roswell Park come in.
An Urgent Need for New Treatment Options
Dr. Alam, Research Assistant Professor of Oncology, Department of Immunology, is working to uncover new treatment options to improve survival rates for PDAC patients. His research will focus on how fungi in our bodies might impact the development of pancreatic cancer.
“With this support, I will be able to improve my research, collaborate with other researchers in the field and gain a better understanding of how this type of cancer works,” said Dr. Alam.
Being selected for SAC funding is a competitive and rigorous process, one in which Dr. Alam needed to demonstrate high potential and established groundwork.
This project aims to explore how interactions between cancer and any present fungi affect the release of an immune signaling protein, which could ultimately impact the progression of the disease. Understanding the role of the exocyst complex (an important protein complex) could lead to new treatment strategies to change the tumor’s environment, encouraging a stronger immune response against PDAC and improving pancreatic cancer patient survival.
The Impact of Donor Dollars
For every dollar donated through events like ESR, Roswell Park is able to leverage an additional $23 in external grant funding for cancer research. That means the miles cycled by our road warriors are fueling lifesaving work and paving the way for the next generation of cancer care. Without those donor dollars, projects like this one may not have the resources to get off the ground and propel the next critical phase of research.
“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of Empire State Ride. The scientists at Roswell Park deeply appreciate your incredible commitment and effort in funding our research. Your dedication not only raises vital financial support but also amplifies awareness of the critical importance of cancer research. Every mile you ride makes a profound difference and inspires us to push forward in our work. Thank you for being true champions of cancer awareness and for bringing hope to the fight against cancer. You are making a significant impact! Keep pedaling, you have our unwavering support and appreciation.”
— Dr. Aftab Alam
Curious about what other projects ESR Excelsior riders have funded over the years? Click here to learn more.