January 2026 Newsletter

Happy 2026!


As we move into the new year, we hope you are feeling the same sense of renewal and energy that we are!


We've hit the ground running with a new Bowel Obstruction resource - as well as more resources in development! We also invite you to a webinar on Nutrition for cancer survivors on February 23rd a noon ET.


And we're VERY excited to announce a special new event this spring! Living Proof will be an evening of storytelling and performance to raise awareness of the truth that we who face these rare and advanced abdominal cancers are not only living longer, we're thriving. So mark your calendars for Friday, April 24 in Baltimore. More details coming soon!


Additionally, we’re pleased to highlight two upcoming webinars from a couple of our partners:

  • "HIPEC vs. PIPAC: Exploring a New Clinical Trial for Appendix Cancer Patients Not Eligible for Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)" on January 29th with ACPMP Research Foundation
  • "DECISIVE Study Update", sharing the latest research on how treatment decisions are made for patients with peritoneal surface malignancies on January 31st with PMP Pals


Thank you for being part of the Alliance! We’re honored to continue learning and growing alongside this community in the year ahead.


With love,

The Alliance team




Updates from the Alliance

Save The Date for A Special New Event!

Mark your calendars for this special new event coming this spring! On Friday, April 24, we'll come together in Baltimore for an evening of storytelling and performance to raise awareness of the truth that we who face these rare and advanced abdominal cancers are not only living longer, we're thriving! Living Proof will highlight the strength, resilience, and vibrant lives of this community to bring attention to our cause and disrupt the misconceptions that keep so many from getting the care they need.

More Details Coming Soon!

Join Us for an Upcoming Webinar: The Survivor's Table: Nutrition Tips for Reducing Cancer Recurrence

Register for the next Alliance webinar February 23rd at noon ET!

The Survivor's Table: Nutrition Tips for Reducing Cancer Recurrence

This presentation will discuss the link between diet, weight, inflammation and recurrence risk. It will discuss key nutrition principles for reducing inflammation and will provide simple strategies for maintaining a healthy weight for the cancer survivor. It will also discuss foods, sugar, phytonutrients and supplements that reduce inflammation and support wellness for cancer survivors and their loved ones.

New Resource: Bowel Obstruction

A bowel obstruction (also referred to as an intestinal obstruction or blockage) is a condition in which the small or large intestine (bowels) becomes blocked. This blockage prevents food, fluids, and waste (stool) from passing normally through the digestive tract. As a result, digestive materials and gas become trapped, which can cause pain, discomfort, and can damage the intestinal tissue.




Updates from our Partners

HIPEC vs PIPAC: Exploring a New Clinical Trial for Appendix Cancer Patients Not Eligible for Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) -- January 29

Join ACPMP for "HIPEC vs. PIPAC: Exploring a New Clinical Trial for Appendix Cancer Patients Not Eligible for Cytoreductive Surgery." This is a free webinar reviewing CHARLIE’S Trial 2, a Randomized Phase II trial comparing heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC). The session will be presented by Patrick Wagner, MD, and Shannon Altpeter, PA-C, of Allegheny Health Network.

DECISIVE Study Update: Examining the decision-making experiences of patients and caregivers considering cytoreductive surgery (CRS) --January 31

Clinical Presentation-Elizabeth Godfrey, MD - Yale School of Medicine -DECISIVE Study Update.

Join our Partner, PMP Pals, for their upcoming webinar on January 31 at 11:00. PMP PALS HOPE ZOOM Meetings are FREE, live video discussions and presentations for patients and caregivers facing a diagnosis of appendix cancer or pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).




Story of the Month

From Isolation to Action - Antonia's Story

Survivorship and Advocacy in Switzerland

For many, a diagnosis of Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP) is a life-altering event that changes one's world overnight. Upon discovering a large appendix tumor within the abdomen-a circumstance that seemed unimaginable-I underwent two major surgeries to remove the tumor and to manage the disease. During this critical time, I searched for a community that understood the reality of living with PMP, but I initially found nothing. There were no self-help groups, no community forums, and no dedicated spaces to share experiences or ask questions. The resulting sense of isolation was overwhelming...

We want to give others hope! We all have a story to tell, and we would be honored to share yours. Join us in raising awareness and send us your story today!

Submit your story here

Research Spotlight

Why Some Patients Respond Better to Pre-Surgery Chemotherapy

A Combined Surgical Approach May Be an Option for Some People With Colorectal Cancer That Has Spread to the Abdomen and Liver

This study found that women with advanced ovarian cancer who received heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) during surgery were less likely to develop painful bowel obstructions compared to those who had surgery alone. HIPEC was also linked to a longer time before a blockage occurred and better survival among women who did experience a blockage. These findings suggest HIPEC may help reduce a serious complication that can greatly affect quality of life.

The STOPGAP Trial: A New Chemotherapy Approach for Advanced Stomach and GEJ Cancer

When Stomach Cancer Spreads to the Abdomen: A New Treatment Approach Under Study

This clinical study looked at whether giving chemotherapy directly into the abdomen (called intraperitoneal chemotherapy) in addition to standard chemotherapy given into a vein (systemic chemotherapy) could help people with gastric (stomach) or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer when the cancer has spread to the peritoneal lining.

Join the Patient and Caregiver Network

Be a part of our dedicated network connecting patients and caregivers. Our mission is to save lives and improve quality of life by fostering a community where individuals can share experiences and find support in the face of rare and advanced gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers.




Support the Abdominal Cancers Alliance

Together, we are working to save lives and improve quality of life for patients, caregivers, and families facing rare and advanced abdominal cancers.

Together we can make a difference!

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