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A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming—not just physically, but emotionally and practically. For patients and caregivers alike, one of the most important factors in navigating this journey is having a strong, reliable support system. At the Abdominal Cancers Alliance, we understand that support looks different for everyone. It can come from family and friends, peer communities, healthcare teams, or even small acts of help that make daily life a little easier. But knowing how

Kovalik V, Sardi A, Falla-Zuniga LF, Wasti A, King MC, Iugai S, Uzhegova K, Nieroda C, Montes TD, Gushchin V. Patient-Reported Financial Toxicity of Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy. Ann Surg Oncol. 2026 Mar 2. doi: 10.1245/s10434-025-19059-x. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41772250 . What was this study about? This study looked at the financial challenges (often called “financial toxicity”) experienced by people undergoing cytoreductive surgery

Somashekhar, S.P. HIPEC in Advanced Ovarian Cancer: From Controversy to Contextual Standard of Care. Indian J Gynecol Oncolog 24 , 52 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40944-026-01122-4 What is this study about? This article looks at a treatment approach called HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy) for people with advanced ovarian cancer—a cancer that often spreads within the abdomen. Even with surgery and chemotherapy, many patients still have tiny cancer cells l

Al Mahrizi, A.D., Mossolem, F., Major, E. et al. Prophylactic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy with Platinum Agents Following Curative Resection for Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ann Surg Oncol 33 , 2972–2984 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1245/s10434-025-18903-4 What is this study about? This research looked at a strategy to help prevent colorectal (colon and rectal) cancer from coming back after surgery. Even when surgery successfully removes all visib

A quarterly newsletter with the latest news, views and announcements from Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) Led by pioneering surgical oncologist Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, PSOGI is a collaboration of experts from around the world on the treatment of peritoneal cancer and is dedicated to improving treatment and survival of patients with peritoneal metastases . We are proud to share their quarterly newsletter. This newsletter highlights new research on cancers

By Debbie Carmel California In 2024, at age 64, my world changed overnight. It started on a Tuesday in January with a sharp pain in my lower left abdomen. Like many of us do, I chalked it up to "old age" or maybe diverticulitis. I even felt well enough by that Saturday to go wine tasting with friends. I had no idea that a “watermelon-sized” tumor was growing inside me. By February, a wellness exam led to a CT scan, and by March, I was in surgery. My diagnosis was a moving tar

Bhatt A, Stepanyan A, Al-Niaimi A et al. Principles of cytoreductive surgery for primary and metastatic peritoneal malignancies—the PSOGI–ESGO–ISSPP Lyon consensus. The Lancet Oncology, 27, e181-e194 Overview This article brings together an international group of experts to establish clear, consistent guidance on how to perform cytoreductive surgery, a complex procedure used to treat cancers that have spread within the abdominal lining (the peritoneum). These cancers can i

Xu N, Hasjim B, Rouhi A ... Validation of nomograms predicting survival in patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC for peritoneal dissemination of mucinous appendiceal cancer. Surgical Oncology Insight, 2026; 3 What is this study about? Some rare tumors that start in the appendix can spread inside the abdomen and produce a jelly-like substance. This condition is called pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP). The main treatment for PMP is a major surgery called cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combin

Mouawad C, Osseis M, Pocard M. Beyond total PCI thresholds: Limitations of the surgical peritoneal cancer index in decision-making for cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy . The American Journal of Surgery, 2026; 257 Rethinking how doctors decide who can get major cancer surgery This study looked at how doctors decide whether a patient with cancer that has spread inside the abdomen should have a complex surgery called CRS-HIPEC (a combination o

Rakchha Chhetri, Natansh D Modi, Bradley D Menz, Erik Cornelisse, David Postma, Nicole M Kuderer, Gary H Lyman, Sandra M Swain, Lee X Li, Ahmad Y Abuhelwa, Ross A McKinnon, Sina Vatandoust, Ganessan Kichenadasse, Andrew Rowland, Michael J Sorich, Ashley M Hopkins, Sex-based prognosis in industry-sponsored advanced solid tumour trials: an individual participant data meta-analysis of survival and adverse events, JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute , 2026;, djag046,..

By Helene Morris Maryland Before I asked my most pressing question, my surgical oncologist answered it. “Helene,” he said, “This is not your fault. There is nothing you did to cause this cancer.” Three weeks later, I was in an operating room at Mercy Hospital, undergoing the surgery that would extend my life. Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy, known simply as CRS with HIPEC. is among the most aggressive treatments used for advanced abdominal

Sardi A, Uzhegova K, Iugai S, et al. Outcomes of cytoreductive surgery in unfavorable appendix cancer histologies: meaningful survival with complete cytoreduction despite high peritoneal cancer index. Presented at: Advanced Cancer Therapies; February 2026; Fort Lauderdale, FL . New Research Offers Hope for Patients with Advanced Appendix Cancer For patients diagnosed with rare and aggressive appendix cancers, treatment decisions can often feel limited—especially when the dis

Associations between the primary colorectal tumor budding score and the histological growth pattern of peritoneal metastases: A pilot study . Bouatrous, Mendhi et al. Surgical Oncology Insight, Volume 3, Issue 1, 100236 . About This Research Gastric (stomach) cancer that spreads to the lining of the abdomen—called peritoneal carcinomatosis—is one of the most difficult forms of the disease to treat. Traditional chemotherapy given through the bloodstream often struggles to re

Amblard I, Mercier F, Bartlett DL, Ahrendt SA, Lee KW, Zeh HJ, Levine EA, Baratti D, Deraco M, Piso P, Morris DL, Rau B, Tentes AAK, Tuech JJ, Quenet F, Akaishi E, Pocard M, Yonemura Y, Lorimier G, Delroeux D, Villeneuve L, Glehen O, Passot G; PSOGI and BIG RENAPE working groups. Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC improve survival compared to palliative chemotherapy for biliary carcinoma with peritoneal metastasis: A multi-institutional cohort from PSOGI and BIG RENAPE groups.

This letter, penned by a devoted daughter, highlights the profound impact of skilled, expert care in the treatment of abdominal cancers. It underscores the critical importance of getting to specialized care when navigating the complexities of an advanced diagnosis. This heartfelt account serves as a reminder of the difference that expertise and empathy can make in the lives of patients and their families - enabling longer life, better quality of life, and more moments she'll

In February, the Surgical Oncology team from Mercy Medical Center shared their research and clinical insights at the 20th Anniversary Advanced Cancer Therapies (ACT) Meeting — a landmark gathering for the peritoneal surface malignancy (PSM) community. Advancing Surgical Quality in CRS/HIPEC Care Dr. Vadim Gushchin, Alliance Board member, presented “The Power of Consistency in Achieving Surgical Quality: 30 Years, 2 Surgeons, 1 Nonacademic PSM Program.” This review highlighte

Layna Mager et al. Biotin Supplements for Hair and Nail Regrowth: A Caution for Oncologists. JCO Oncol Pract 0 , OP-25-00693. DOI: 10.1200/OP-25-00693 Why This Study Matters Hair thinning and nail changes are common side effects of cancer treatment. Many patients turn to over-the-counter supplements marketed to improve hair, skin, and nail health — especially biotin (vitamin B7). This review highlights an important concern: while biotin is widely viewed as harmless, it

A quarterly newsletter with the latest news, views and announcements from Peritoneal Surface Oncology Group International (PSOGI) Led by pioneering surgical oncologist Dr. Paul Sugarbaker, PSOGI is a collaboration of experts from around the world on the treatment of peritoneal cancer and is dedicated to improving treatment and survival of patients with peritoneal metastases . We are proud to share their quarterly newsletter. The latest issue of PSOGI World News , the quarterl

Every March, during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month , communities, clinicians, caregivers, and survivors come together to raise awareness about colorectal cancer—one of the most common cancers in the United States. While progress in prevention, screening, and treatment has saved lives, this disease remains a critical public health issue. What Is Colorectal Cancer? Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum, which are parts of the lower digestive tract. It is one of the