New Hope for SFT Patients: Research, Trials and Breakthroughs  with Dr. Gina D’Amato |  LMC #83

Dr. Peter Crane welcomes Dr. Gina D’Amato, sarcoma medical oncologist and leader of the Horowitz Solitary Fibrous Tumor Initiative at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. They discuss the current state of SFT research, the importance of the global patient registry and biobank, preliminary findings from molecular profiling, and major developments including a rapid oral abstract presentation at ASCO. Dr. D’Amato shares updates on the successful creation of an SFT cell line and organoids, ongoing collaborations, and an imminent clinical trial using FAP-targeted radioligand (alpha particle) therapy. The conversation emphasizes the critical role of patient participation in accelerating progress toward better treatments and ultimately a cure for this rare sarcoma. Episode Highlights: Dr. Peter Crane introduces Dr. Gina D’Amato and shares the personal importance of this topic as an SFT patient Overview of solitary fibrous tumor as a rare sarcoma (~2% of sarcomas) with variable behavior and limited treatment options The Horowitz Solitary Fibrous Tumor Registry & Biobank: now open globally, approaching 100 patients enrolled Patient questionnaire collecting environmental, occupational, and family history data; plans for blood and tumor specimen collection NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene variants and their correlation with tumor location and behavior Retrospective analysis of 50–100 patients, additional mutations (TP53, TERT, CDK), and efforts to improve the D’Amico prognostic tool Major milestone: Rapid oral abstract presentation at ASCO by medical student Keerthana on NAB2-STAT6 fusion variants and metastatic risk Successful development of an SFT cell line (“Little Joels”) from Mr. Joel Horowitz and progress with organoid models Tribute to the late Dr. Heather Hiinga and her significant contributions to SFT research Exciting new clinical trial: PSV359 (Perspective Therapeutics), FAP-targeted radioligand alpha particle therapy opening soon at University of Miami and other sites How the trial works: PET scan selection followed by therapeutic injections; potential for future targeted drug delivery Top 3 Takeaways: Patient participation in the global SFT Registry and Biobank is extremely valuable. Every enrollment helps build the critical data needed to understand this rare disease and develop better treatments. Molecular profiling (NAB2-STAT6 variants and co-mutations) is improving our ability to predict behavior and personalize care for SFT patients. Promising new therapies are advancing, particularly FAP-targeted radioligand therapy, which could offer more precise treatment with potentially fewer side effects. About Dr. Gina  D’Amato  Dr. Gina D’Amato is a sarcoma medical oncologist, Professor of Medicine, and Sarcoma Lead at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She serves as administrator of the Horowitz Solitary Fibrous Tumor Initiative and has over 20 years of experience treating sarcoma patients. Websites:  solitaryfibroustumor.org SFT Patient Registry: https://solitaryfibroustumor.org Clinical Trial: Search PSV359 on clinicaltrials.gov (opening soon) Previous episodes with Dr. D’Amato and Joel Horowitz : Joel Horowitz & Dr. Gina D’Amato on Hope, Research, and the Fight Against Solitary  (November 2025) About the Host: Dr. Peter Crane is a board-certified physician, educator, and storyteller with a heart for service and a calling to spotlight doctors who make a difference—in their communities, in medicine, and in the lives they touch. Through Doctors Making a Difference, he brings you into intimate conversations with physicians who have overcome challenges, redefined success, and found purpose in and beyond the clinic. His goal is simple: to help more doctors stay in medicine by showing them what's possible. About the Show: Doctors Making a Difference is more than a podcast—it’s a movement to highlight the good, the gritty, and the deeply human side of medicine. In every episode, Dr. Peter Crane interviews physicians whose stories defy the script. From burnout recovery to bold career pivots, health challenges to quiet leadership, this show honors the truth that healing begins with connection—and doctors, too, deserve to be whole. Visit: doctorsmakingadifference.com LMC Series Note: Living with Metastatic Cancer (LMC) explores the science, decisions, and day-to-day realities of life with advanced disease—through candid physician–patient conversations.   The Doctors Making a Difference Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for medical, legal, or professional advice. Always consult appropriate experts regarding your unique circumstances. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.