Symptom and Side Effect Management of GIST Treatment

GIST and its treatment can cause a variety of symptoms. Adequate management of symptoms can improve a patient’s quality of life. Proper management can also allow the patient to remain on treatment without a decrease in dosage, interruption of treatment, or even the discontinuation of treatment. Staying on treatment as prescribed gives patients the best chance of a good outcome and in some cases has been shown to improve survival rates.

In this webcast, Dr. Lori Williams, Associate Professor in the Department of Symptom Research at MD Anderson Cancer Center, will review common symptoms associated with GIST and some of its treatments. She will present methods patients can use to self-manage symptoms as well as how to discuss and when to report symptoms to health care providers.

About the Presenters:

Lori WilliamsDr. Lori Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Symptom Research at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse. She has worked in oncology nursing for more than 35 years. She is a member of the executive board of the Patient Advocate and National Patient Advocate Foundations and a secretary-treasurer of the Board of the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Her current work at MD Anderson involves the study of symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment. She is currently working with leadership at MD Anderson to institute routine clinical symptom monitoring for all patients.

As Senior Director of Research, Pete Knox is a key member of the Real World Evidence Team, utilizing his analytic skills to provide strategic oversight of the Life Raft Group’s research and data platforms. In this role, he identifies and develops potential collaborations with institutions and organizations that utilize data to advance research, with the goal of improving overall survival and quality of life for GIST patients.

Pete KnoxPete Knox, LRG Senior Director of Research, will also share an update on our interactive side effects management platform, SideEQ. This platform is a great tool to allow patients to optimize their overall health by learning and sharing tips with others on how to manage side effects. To learn more, visit MySideEQ.org

Disclaimer: Information provided in this webcast is not intended as a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.