Bowel Cancer Australia eNews: Promising New Treatment / Donate Now & Have Your Gift Matched / New Bowel Care Oncology Social Worker

A promising new treatment for dMMR stage II or III rectal cancer.
A new clinical trial in the United States demonstrates a clinical complete response following the administration of a single agent immunotherapy, dostarlimab, in patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) stage II or III rectal cancer. All patients showed no progression, recurrence or serious side effects, and did not require chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, in the follow-up period.
Around 5-10% of rectal cancers are microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or dMMR. These cancers are relatively resistant to chemotherapy, which forms part of the current standard of care for stage II and III rectal cancer.
While a longer follow up period is needed to assess the duration of the response, the results are promising.

On behalf of Bowel Cancer Australia, a huge thank you to everyone who supported our signature awareness and fundraising event ~ Bowel Cancer Awareness Month 2022.⁠
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Thanks to all the messengers who shared their lived experience, helped raise awareness of symptoms and risk factors, as well as advocated for our N2Y agenda.⁠
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A special thank you to all our ambassadors and generous supporters who donated, hosted a fundraiser, or championed our Annual Giving Day and helped us to exceed our target!⁠
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We would also like to acknowledge those donors who continue to support our work yet choose to remain anonymous.⁠
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The success of Bowel Cancer Awareness Month would not have been possible without the generosity of people, such as you.⁠

Introducing Australia's first dedicated Bowel Care Oncology Social Worker.
Bowel Cancer Australia is pleased to welcome Victoria to our Patient Services team, offering further cancer-focused support to improve the psychosocial wellbeing of people with living with and beyond bowel cancer.
“Your psychological and emotional health can have a significant impact on your physical health and ability. Social work therefore looks to holistically address your overall health and wellbeing. I am here to provide another part of the scaffold of support around you, helping to uphold you through your bowel cancer experience.” ~ Victoria, Bowel Care Oncology Social Worker.
People living with or beyond bowel cancer and their loved ones can now access this new service anytime via email or by calling Bowel Cancer Australia's free Helpline on 1800 555 494.
This fantastic new service is made possible thanks to a grant from the Dry July Foundation, and all our much appreciated Dry July fundraisers and donations received in July 2021.