Gut Cancer Foundation

02/06/2026

Results of a pancreatic cancer clinical trial have just been presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago. The RASolute 302 clinical trial investigated whether the drug, daraxonrasib can be effectively used as a treatment for late-stage pancreatic cancer.

Researchers reported that the treatment could effectively double life expectancy for some patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

GCF Executive officer Liam Willis said of the findings..."The development of treatments targeting KRAS mutations (KRAS inhibitors) are some of the most exciting developments we have seen in pancreatic cancer for a long time"

"Tragically, around 85% of pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when curative treatments are not an option. These results suggest that daraxonrasib is able to keep the cancer under control for longer, giving patients priceless extra time with their loved ones."

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4fRDln1

02/06/2026

Health care professionals: Do you have a patient who could use support after an upper GI cancer diagnosis?

Our free, nurse-led telehealth support service is here for people affected by oesophageal, pancreatic, liver, biliary or stomach cancer.

Our referral process is quick and easy. Refer here: https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/health-care-professional-referral/

For more information please email us at [email protected], or give us a call on 0800 112 775.

31/05/2026

🏃‍♀️ Walk it. Run it. Get GUTSY for gut cancers and join GCF at the Auckland Marathon on 1 November 2026!

Every year, more than 6,100 New Zealanders are diagnosed with oesophageal, stomach, liver, pancreatic, biliary or bowel cancer. Collectively, gut cancers are the most common cancers in Aotearoa and have some of the worst survival rates - with only 12% of pancreatic cancer patients surviving beyond five years.

By signing up to run or walk for GCF, you’ll help fund:
✅ nurse-led support and expert resources
✅ access to international clinical trials here in NZ
✅ local research into better detection, diagnosis and treatment
✅ advocacy for better access to care
✅ national awareness campaigns to help Kiwis spot symptoms sooner

We're here to support you every step of the way! When you join the GCF team you will:

• Receive training guides, tailored to all distances
• Free webinar with a marathon expert
• Join us to celebrate your achievement in our post-race marquee, and receive a free massage

As an extra bonus:

• Raise $200 and receive a Gut Cancer Foundation, dri-fit running t-shirt
• Become a Charity Superstar: be one of the first to raise $1500 to receive a free entry as a Charity Superstar. This includes free on the day travel, and a Charity Superstar Medal at the finish line.

Ready to lace up and kick cancer in the guts?

Sign up today: https://aucklandmarathon26.grassrootz.com/gut-cancer-foundation

28/05/2026

Just one month from launch, our Support Service is already making a meaningful difference for people across the motu. Demand has significantly exceeded expectations, with uptake in the first 4 weeks more than doubling our original projections.

Early insights show the service is reaching people nationwide, with 53% of those supported living outside main centres. This highlights the significant gap in specialised support for people with gut cancers, and the importance of making care accessible no matter where someone lives.

We are also supporting people at every stage of the cancer journey, from those newly diagnosed through to people receiving palliative care. This reinforces what we know: support is needed not only at diagnosis, but throughout treatment, recovery, and beyond.

The service is reaching a diverse range of communities, including Māori, Pacific Peoples, Asian, African, and European populations. Referrals are coming through healthcare professionals, online search, friends and whānau, and social media, showing strong community-led engagement and growing awareness of the service.

The early response has been both encouraging and sobering. It shows just how great the need is, but also how important it is that this support is now available.

👉 Get support: https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/support-service/

24/05/2026

Did you know our friends at TimeOut Charity provide donated holiday stays across Aotearoa for people living with stage 4 cancer or an incurable illness?

With more than 260 holiday homes available nationwide, families have the opportunity to step away from the stress of treatment and spend meaningful time together.

If you know someone navigating advanced illness who could benefit from a few days to rest, reconnect, and create special memories, please share this with them.

Learn more about eligibility, applying for a stay, or supporting TimeOut here: www.timeoutnz.org.

Thank you, TimeOut, for the amazing work you do 🧡

Did you know that one of our biggest challenges is simply reaching the people who could benefit from a TimeOut Stay?

At TimeOut Charity, generous holiday homeowners across Aotearoa donate stays in their properties for people living with stage 4 cancer or an incurable illness.

We currently have more than 260 donated holiday homes available nationwide, ready for families who could really use some time away together✨

But to make the most of these opportunities, we really need your help spreading the word!

If you know someone navigating advanced illness who might benefit from a few days to rest, reconnect, and spend meaningful time with family or friends, please consider letting them know about TimeOut. You could tag them, share this post, or pass it on privately.

To learn more about eligibility, applying for a stay, or supporting TimeOut, visit: www.timeoutnz.org

20/05/2026

They say it takes a village - and Oxford Finance showed just how powerful that village can be.

This year, the Oxford Finance team took on Give It Up for Gut Cancer and raised an incredible $10,364 for Kiwis affected by gut cancers. What an amazing achievement!

We are so grateful for the dedication, enthusiasm and generosity shown by the Oxford Finance team throughout their campaign. We’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful businesses who supported their efforts and helped them reach such a fantastic total.

Together, you are helping Gut Cancer Foundation fund vital research, awareness and support for patients and whānau across Aotearoa 🧡

20/05/2026

Today is International Clinical Trials Day - a chance to recognise the vital role clinical trials play in improving treatment, care and outcomes for people with cancer. At GCF, we believe Kiwis affected by gut cancers deserve access to the same research opportunities and promising treatments as patients overseas.

We’re proud to currently support PALEO, a Phase II clinical trial for oesophageal cancer that is exploring a new combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy to help alleviate complications and improve quality of life for patients. We’re also looking forward to opportunities later this year to help Kiwis participate in international clinical trials developed through our partners at GI Cancer Trials, helping ensure more Kiwis can access world-class research closer to home.

Clinical trials are how progress happens. They help test new treatments, improve current standards of care, and build the evidence needed to create better futures for patients and whānau.

We’re watching with interest a number of international clinical trials that could help shape future outcomes for people with gut cancers - and we remain committed to supporting research that brings hope, innovation and impact to Aotearoa.

Learn more about PALEO:
https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/paleo/ .tab=0

ACRP - Association of Clinical Research Professionals

20/05/2026

Now available: My Care KIT for pancreatic cancer 💜

We’re proud to launch My Care KIT - a FREE resource designed to support people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, as well as their whānau and carers.

Available as either a printed binder with free NZ-wide shipping or a digital download, My Care KIT contains Knowledge, Information and Tools to help you better understand a recent diagnosis, treatment options, and the different pathways through living with pancreatic cancer.

Inside, you’ll find practical and easy-to-follow resources covering:
• Understanding pancreatic cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Tests, investigations and cancer staging
• Chemotherapy and treatment options
• Managing symptoms and treatment side effects
• Diet and nutrition support
• Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT)
• Questions to ask your medical team
• Space to record information to share with your care team

These resources are designed to help you feel more informed, prepared and supported throughout your cancer experience.

At this stage, My Care KIT is available for pancreatic cancer, with KITs for oesophageal, liver and biliary, and stomach cancers coming in the next few weeks - stay tuned!

👉 Order or download your FREE My Care KIT now:
https://www.gutcancer.org.nz/shop/

These My Care KITs have been adapted from the Pancare Foundation Australia and we are incredibly grateful for their support. We sincerely thank the Pancare Foundation and the organisations whose support made the Care KIT programme possible, in particular, The Lion Foundation, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, the David Levene Foundation, and the North & South Trust.

19/05/2026

If you have pancreatic cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, you can help move research forward. Our friends at Aspert Pancreatic Enzyme Therapy Research Network have just launched a new study website, www.thepancreasproject.com and are looking for patients who have a current diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand, or if it has been two years or less since your Whipple procedure (or other surgery for pancreatic cancer), you are eligible to participate in ASPERT’s new research study.

If you or anyone you know might be able to help, please check out their website. We are proud to support Aspert Pancreatic Enzyme Therapy Research Network and the incredible mahi they do in this space 💜

https://thepancreasproject.com/

What’s Involved There will be two questionnaires which we will send to you two weeks apart. The questions will be about your digestion-related symptoms and any treatment you may be having for this as well. We will also be asking for you to provide a stool, or poo sample so we can test how well [.....

13/05/2026

Good luck to our amazing runners taking on the Hawkes Bay Marathon this Saturday! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Every step they take helps raise awareness and vital funds for gut cancer research and patient support across Aotearoa. We are so grateful for their support and proud to have them representing Gut Cancer Foundation.

Go team - we’re behind you all the way! 💜🧡

You can support our runners here: https://hawkesbaymarathon2026.grassrootz.com/gut-cancer-foundation/