Our mission is to enhance the survival and quality of life for people living with GIST through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.
PATIENT
Leverage patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research.
POWERED
Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care.
SCIENCE
Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts.
FOR LIFE
Increase access to effective treatments worldwide.
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRG’s approach to research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patient’s perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Did you know that GIST is actually a family of cancers? Learn more about the science of GIST.
Update your Patient Registry Information.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Available GIST clinical trials.
Search our database of GIST Specialists.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Marc Wasserman
Diagnosed in 2006 with Adult GIST.
Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-Deficient) GIST.
HELP US SAVE LIVES
The Life Raft Group is a community and it is up to all of us to make a difference. There are many ways to help. We always need patient tissue and data in our registry. Volunteering your time or making a monetary donation also helps us drive research forward and save lives.
First-Line Imatinib More Effective Than Widely Believed – LRG Science
The latest issue of LRG Science is titled, "First-Line Imatinib More Effective Than Widely Believed - LRG Science - Treatment for Resistant GIST - Improved, but Still Very Far to Go." In this issue, the LRG Real World Evidence team analyzes data from our Patient Registry in order to evaluate the efficacy of imatinib as a first-line treatment in GIST. Subscribe to LRG Science by emailing mgarland@liferaftgroup.org with the subject line SUBSCRIBE LRG SCIENCE.
Patient of the Month for January: Juan Castelan
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. Juan Castelan shares his story.
Breaking News for GIST Patients – Avapritinib Approved!
Blueprint Medicines announced that the FDA has approved AYVAKIT™ (avapritinib) for the treatment of adults with unresectable or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) harboring a platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) exon 18 mutation, including PDGFRA D842V mutations.
CTOS 2019 Highlights
CTOS, "The Connective Tissue Oncology Society", is an organization of medical specialists and researchers who specialize in bone and soft tissue tumors. They hold a meeting every year to discuss the latest innovations in this area. This year the meeting took place in Tokyo from November 13 until 16.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
GLOBAL PARTNERS
