Clinical trial funded through The Randy and Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Fund seeks to expand surgical options for patients facing appendix and other peritoneal cancers

Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Center has introduced RANDY'S Trial, an innovative clinical study made possible by generous donations from The Randy and Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Fund. The effort aims to test whether existing medications can improve care for individuals diagnosed with appendiceal and other peritoneal cancers.

Honoring the memory of the late Lt. Randy Meyer II, a City of Pittsburgh firefighter who fought a rare appendix cancer for over ten years, the trial shows how local giving can drive cancer research and open new paths for patients with tough diagnoses. Funds came from the annual La Sera d'Oro Gala, which gathers supporters each November to celebrate Randy's impact and aid the Bartlett Cancer Research Fund. The 2025 event raised 44000 dollars, enabling the trial to begin.

The research targets a major hurdle for patients with appendiceal and peritoneal cancers that spread across the abdominal lining: fibrosis, or thick scar tissue that wraps around tumors and sticks to healthy areas, complicating cytoreduction surgery.

Scar tissue hides normal anatomy and blurs the line between healthy and diseased tissue. It can also hide cancer cells, and attempts to separate scar from healthy tissue raise the chance of harming organs.

In cancer patients, abdominal scar tissue often develops from inflammation or earlier operations.

Researchers will test approved medications that might reduce or reshape this scar tissue, potentially allowing more patients to qualify for surgery and achieve better results.

Philanthropy is vital for moving cancer research ahead, especially for uncommon diseases that draw limited focus and funding, noted Patrick Wagner, MD, principal investigator of RANDY'S Trial and a surgical oncologist at AHN Cancer Center. The backing from The Randy and Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Fund has turned a promising idea into a clinical trial that could help more patients qualify for surgery, creating a lasting tribute.

RANDY'S Trial draws from studies on whether FDA-approved drugs used for other conditions can be redirected to change scar tissue around certain peritoneal tumors. The team hopes this method will widen options for patients whose cancers now restrict or block surgery. Dr. Wagner leads the trial with a broad AHN group focused on peritoneal malignancies.

The trial name honors Randy Meyer as both an acronym and a memorial. His steady fight against cancer inspired family, friends, fellow firefighters and many supporters. After his passing, his wife Stephanie carried forward their shared goal of aiding others through the Spread Goodness Fund, which now fuels patient support and cancer research.

The Spread Goodness Fund was built to extend Randy's habit of helping others, and it is rewarding to see that spirit fuel research that may aid future patients, said Stephanie Meyer. Everyone who joins the gala, gives to the fund or backs the mission helps make progress like this happen.

AHN leaders note that RANDY'S Trial underscores how giving fuels promising research ideas and brings them to patients.

Advances in cancer care often start with bold ideas that need community help to reach patients, said David Bartlett, MD, director of AHN Cancer Center. Gifts from donors often spark the shift from new concepts to real options for patients. RANDY'S Trial shows how local generosity can push research ahead, widen treatment choices and offer hope to those facing rare and difficult cancers.

Support for RANDY'S Trial and other cancer efforts will continue via The Randy and Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Fund's yearly drives. The third annual La Sera d'Oro Gala will take place on Saturday, Nov. 28, uniting family, friends, community leaders and backers to honor Randy's memory and advance cancer care and research in the region. Tickets and sponsorships are available until Nov. 14.

As enrollment starts, AHN researchers aim to uncover fresh insights on treating fibrosis tied to peritoneal cancers while carrying forward Randy Meyer's legacy through work that may improve care for future patients.

About Allegheny Health Network

Allegheny Health Network (AHN.org) is an integrated health care delivery system serving the greater Western Pennsylvania region. The network includes 16 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health and Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN gives patients access to a full range of advanced medical services, including nationally recognized programs for primary and emergency care, cardiovascular disease, cancer care, orthopedic surgery, neurology and neurosurgery, women's health, diabetes and more. AHN employs about 27000 people, has 3000 physicians on its medical staff, and serves as a clinical campus for Drexel University College of Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Duquesne University Nasuti College of Osteopathic Medicine.

SOURCE Allegheny Health Network