When a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, it’s a terrifying experience–no matter the diagnosis. With more common cancers, such as those of the lung, breast, or skin, doctors understand how to move forward with treatment. However, when the primary origin cannot be diagnosed, the cancer is always rare. Cancer of unknown primary origin (CUP) is a rare cancer diagnosis given when malignant cells are found in the body and the original site where the cancer began cannot be determined. This condition accounts for approximately 2% of all cancer diagnoses in the United States each year.

Jed Ian Taxel’s Story and Legacy

The Jedi Rare Cancer Foundation is the legacy of Jed Ian Taxel, whom we lost to CUP in 2017. Jed was born on January 17, 1978 in White Plains, New York, to Mark and Linda Taxel. After graduating from Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua, he earned a degree in Journalism from NYU, graduating cum laude. He built a successful career as the Chief Marketing Officer at BeneStream, a company dedicated to helping organizations obtain government benefits for lower-income workers. 

In 2005, Jed met Tiffany, and although their relationship initially paused, they reconnected in 2012 and married on October 11, 2014 at the National Arts Club in New York. The couple lived in NYC but cherished their time at Twin Maple Farms, the family’s beloved retreat. Together, they enjoyed tennis, cooking, gardening, and traveling, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends and family.

In early 2017, Jed’s life took a devastating turn when a biopsy eventually revealed a rare and aggressive CUP had spread to his lungs, liver, and bones. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy proved ineffective. Tragically, Jed passed away on October 11, 2017, on his third wedding anniversary. His life was marked by deep connections, a love of adventure, and unwavering devotion to Tiffany, his family, and friends.

On the Horizon: Better Treatments for CUP

Treatment for CUP is challenging due to the unknown origin of the cancer. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, depending on the cancer’s characteristics and the patient’s overall health. While the exact cause of CUP remains unknown, it is believed to result from DNA changes in cells, leading to abnormal cell division and spread. 

With recent advancements, scientists have new tools at their fingertips to help with CUP treatment and diagnosis, including:

• Genomic-guided treatments: Uses gene sequencing to identify actionable mutations. For example, entrectinib targets NTRK fusions, achieving response rates of 57–71% in biomarker-selected patients.
• Tumor mutation burden: Can be used to identify risks and benefits of immunotherapy treatments.
• OncoNPC: Accurately identifies the primary source of CUP tumors in 41.2% of cases.

Join Us in Improving Rare Cancer Outcomes

Ongoing research aims to improve diagnosis and treatment options for this rare, complex group of cancers of unknown origin. The Jedi Rare Cancer Foundation supports groundbreaking initiatives to fund research and enhance outcomes for rare cancer patients, including the Alliance for Rare Cancers and CURE: The Rare Cancer Initiative. When you partner with Jedi, you’re helping keep Jed’s hope alive. Help us support our country’s leading researchers in finding better outcomes for rare cancer patients, and donate today.