Clinical Trial for Gastric Cancer: 8 Real Stories

Stage IV Gastric Cancer: Derek's Patient Story

Patient Info: Derek Cooney | Stage IV

After a Stage IV stomach cancer diagnosis, an emergency physician sought several second opinions and enrolled in a clinical trial at UT MD Anderson.

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Stage IV Gastric Adenocarcinoma: Derek's Survivor Story

Patient Info: Derek Cooney, Male, 40s | Stage IV

Metastatic Site: peritoneum

At his first follow-up in June, scans showed no evidence of disease, and he later completed his pain-management fellowship.

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Recovery from severe liver injury during Stage III gastric cancer treatment

Patient Info: Anonymized, Male, 70+ | Stage III

At the last follow-up in August 2025, imaging showed no recurrence and his liver function remained normal.

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Stage IV HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer With Immune Thrombocytopenia During Treatment

Patient Info: Anonymized | Stage IV

Biomarkers: HER2 amplified; PD-L1 CPS 10; pMMR; Claudin18.2 overexpression

Metastatic Site: liver, omentum

CT in March 2024 showed progression with enlarging gastric and omental lymphadenopathy and new liver metastases.

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Stage IV Gastric Cancer: Rachel's Patient Story

Patient Info: Rachel Orth, Female, Under 40 | Stage IV

Rachel previously reported stable metastatic gastric cancer while receiving treatment on a phase I clinical trial. She died in June 2025.

HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer responding to trastuzumab deruxtecan rechallenge

Patient Info: Anonymized, male, 60s | Stage IV

Biomarkers: HER2-positive

Metastatic Site: liver

After trastuzumab deruxtecan was restarted, his symptoms improved after the first cycle and imaging showed tumor shrinkage after 3 cycles. He was still receiving treatment without progression at the latest follow-up.

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Stage IV HER2-Positive Gastric Cancer: Bryan's Patient Story

Patient Info: Bryan Chagolla, Male, Under 40 | Stage IV

Biomarkers: HER2-positive

Metastatic Site: liver

Bryan had a strong response to trastuzumab deruxtecan in 2021. He died on May 13, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

Stage IV Gastric Cancer: Faye's Patient Story

Patient Info: Faye Hood, female, 70+ | Stage IV

After surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, Faye recovered, returned to exercise and completed a half-marathon 1 year later.

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