Kicking it for a Cure

September 2017

Continuous v. Stop-and-Go Chemo

A new study in the European Journal of Cancer finds benefits to stop-and-go chemotherapy in treating metastatic gastric cancer. Gastric cancer study patients received induction therapy with six courses of chemotherapy and achieved stabilization, then were randomized into two groups: (1) continuous chemotherapy until disease progression or (2) no chemotherapy until disease progression.

Researchers found that continuous treatment boosted progression-free survival (the amount of time patients lived with no worsening of disease), but there was no difference between the two treatment regimens in overall survival (how long they lived), and quality of life favored the stop-and-go treatment protocol.

Meanwhile, breaking news was just released at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2017 Congress in Madrid: new data in phase two of the KEYNOTE-059 trial of Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) shows promising results in treating metastatic gastric cancer. Read the full update here.

Guts & Butts - Kicking it for a Cure

For the third year, the Guts and Butts Beach Clean-Up in Pismo Beach, CA on September 16 will raise money for the Gastric Cancer Foundation while honoring environmental science middle-school teacher, John Gyselbrecht.

John lost his battle with gastric cancer in 2014. Since then, his wife, Stacy Millich, has honored John's love of the ocean by gathering former students, friends, and neighbors for a beach clean-up coinciding with California Coastal Clean-Up Day. Why do people keep coming back and raising money to support research to fund a cure? Watch the video here. You can also contribute to their First Giving campaign here.

NUTRITION: Eat Well & Be Well

Many of you have contacted us about our "easy to stomach" recipes brought to you by Foundation Board member and gastric cancer survivor, Hans Rueffert. We are prepping many more dishes for you so keep your suggestions coming.

This month, Hans inspires us to rethink kale with a yummy vinaigrette featuring apple butter, which can be served as a salad or a warm side. And, he offers yet another alternative protein that is easy to digest.

Here is the link to the latest video episode and recipe, written by friend and editor, Brenda Hill.

As a gastric cancer survivor, Hans has experimented with recipes over the years to find alternatives to essential proteins and other ingredients easy on the gut. Give these recipes in our series a try and post a photo on social media tagging @GastricCancerFoundation on Facebook and @GastricCancerFD on twitter - show us how it turned out!

A Cause for Hope

8th Annual Event

The Foundation's Annual Event - known as "A Cause for Hope" - is a highlight of Gastric Awareness Month. Please join us at Peninsula Golf & Country Club in San Mateo, California on Friday evening, November 17th, for this beautiful gathering to raise funds for gastric cancer research.

The 2017 event will pay special tribute to Wayne Feinstein, founding member of the foundation and 2013-2017 Board Chairman. With Wayne's extraordinary vision and leadership, the Gastric Cancer Foundation mobilized increased resources, and brilliant scientists to search for a cure. Progress has been made. Research is creating hope.

Together, we can beat gastric cancer. Gather your friends and family for "A Cause for Hope." Registration will open on September 23rd.

Innovations in GI Cancer:

Fighting a Smarter War Against Cancer

The GI Gastric Cancer Alliance, of which the Foundation is a member, is hosting Innovations in GI Cancer, November 30 - December 2. The program at Georgetown University will include a Patient Symposium to provide families disease-specific information and education, tools for managing cancer care, and discussion about the promise of emerging therapeutic approaches in cancer care. Register for the early bird pricing by September 30!

Thanks to Our National Sustaining Sponsor: