Each year, ThriveWell Cancer Foundation awards two research grants designed to help promising new ideas move from the laboratory to real-world impact. These grants provide seed funding to support early stage studies that have the potential to lead to major breakthroughs in cancer treatment and care. By investing in innovative research at the beginning stages, ThriveWell helps scientists gather the data they need to secure larger national grants and continue developing life-saving discoveries.
One recent grant recipient, Dr. Sergey Shein at UT Health San Antonio, is using ThriveWell funding to study ways to make bone marrow and stem cell transplants safer for cancer patients. These transplants are often used to treat blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. While they can be life-saving, they can also cause a serious complication called graft versus host disease. This happens when the donor cells attack the patient’s body, leading to dangerous inflammation and organ damage. Nearly half of patients who receive these transplants experience some level of this condition.
Dr. Shein’s research focuses on understanding why this complication happens and how to stop it without weakening the patient’s immune system. Current treatments often rely on strong medications that suppress the immune system, which can leave patients vulnerable to infections. His work is exploring a more targeted approach that could prevent the harmful reaction while still allowing the transplant to fight the cancer.
With the support of ThriveWell’s grant, Dr. Shein’s team has already developed successful research models that allow them to study this condition in detail. Early results suggest there may be a way to block the signals that cause the damaging immune response, which could lead to safer transplants and better outcomes for patients in the future. The project has also helped train the next generation of cancer researchers, including a student who earned top honors for her work on the study.
These are exactly the kinds of advances ThriveWell hopes to spark through its annual research grants. A relatively small investment at the right time can help launch ideas that lead to larger studies, national funding, and ultimately better treatment options for patients.
Through the generosity of our donors and supporters, ThriveWell is able to continue funding cutting edge research right here in our community. These grants not only support scientists, they support hope for every patient and family facing cancer.