AHN Cancer Center Launches RANDY'S Trial, Funded by Community Support and Inspired by a Firefighter's Legacy

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

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Cancer Center today announced the launch of RANDY'S Trial (Repurposed And Naturally-Derived Drugs for the Treatment of Fibrosis in Peritoneal Carcinomatosis), an innovative clinical study made possible through philanthropic support from The Randy & Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Fund. The trial is designed to evaluate whether existing medications can help improve treatment options for patients diagnosed with appendiceal and other peritoneal cancers.

Named in honor of the late Lt. Randy Meyer II, a City of Pittsburgh firefighter who battled a rare form of appendix cancer for more than a decade, the trial reflects the power of community philanthropy to advance cancer research and create new opportunities for patients facing challenging diagnoses. Funding for the study was raised through the fund's annual La Sera d'Oro Gala (The Golden Evening), which brings together supporters each November to honor Randy's legacy and support the Bartlett Cancer Research Fund. The 2025 gala raised $44,000, helping make the launch of RANDY'S Trial possible.

The study is designed to address one of the greatest challenges facing patients with appendiceal and other peritoneal cancers that spread throughout the lining of the abdomen: fibrosis, or dense scar tissue that can surround tumors and adhere to healthy tissue, making cytoreduction surgery difficult.

Scar tissue can obscure normal anatomy, making it difficult to tell where healthy tissue ends and diseased tissue begins. Fibroids can also trap hidden cancer cells; separating healthy tissue from scar tissue can increase the risk of organ damage.

In cancer patients, abdominal scar tissue can form through inflammation, or through previous surgeries. 

Researchers will evaluate established medications that may help break down or remodel that scar tissue, potentially increasing the number of patients eligible for surgery and improving outcomes.

"Philanthropy plays an essential role in advancing cancer research, particularly for rare diseases that often receive less attention and fewer research dollars," said Patrick Wagner, MD, principal investigator of RANDY'S Trial and a surgical oncologist with AHN Cancer Center. "The support of The Randy & Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Foundation has allowed us to move an important scientific concept from the drawing board to a clinical trial that may ultimately help more patients become candidates for surgery. That's a remarkable legacy."

RANDY'S Trial builds on research exploring whether FDA-approved medications previously used for other conditions can be repurposed to alter the scar tissue surrounding certain peritoneal tumors. Investigators hope the approach could expand treatment options for patients whose cancers currently limit or prevent surgical intervention. The trial is being led by Dr. Wagner and a multidisciplinary AHN team specializing in peritoneal malignancies.

The study's name serves as both an acronym and a tribute to Randy Meyer, whose determination throughout his cancer journey inspired family, friends, fellow firefighters and supporters across the region. Following Randy's passing, his wife, Stephanie, continued their shared commitment to helping others through the Spread Goodness Fund, which has become a driving force in supporting patients and advancing cancer research.

"The Spread Goodness Fund was created to continue Randy's legacy of helping others, and we're honored to see that support translate into meaningful research that may benefit future patients," said Stephanie Meyer. "Every person who attends our gala, donates to the foundation or supports our mission is helping make advancements like this possible."

AHN leaders say the launch of RANDY'S Trial highlights the critical role philanthropy plays in bringing promising research ideas to patients.

"Breakthroughs in cancer treatment often begin with bold ideas that require community support to become reality," said David Bartlett, MD, director of AHN Cancer Center. "Philanthropic investments are often the catalyst that transforms innovative ideas into real opportunities for patients. RANDY'S Trial is a powerful example of how community generosity can drive research forward, expand treatment options and create hope for patients facing rare and challenging cancers."

Support for RANDY'S Trial and other cancer-related initiatives will continue through The Randy & Stephanie Meyer Spread Goodness Fund's annual fundraising efforts. The third annual La Sera d'Oro Gala (The Golden Evening) will be held on Saturday, Nov. 28, bringing together family members, friends, community leaders and supporters to celebrate Randy's legacy and help advance cancer care and research across the region. Tickets and sponsorship are available for purchase until Nov. 14. For more information, click here.

As patient enrollment begins, AHN researchers hope the study will generate new insights into treating fibrosis associated with peritoneal cancers while honoring Randy Meyer's legacy through research that could 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 is composed of 16 hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, Health + Wellness Pavilions, an employed physician organization, home- and community-based health services, a research institute, and a group purchasing organization. AHN provides patients with access to a complete spectrum 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 approximately 27,000 people, has 3,000 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