The GIST Summit 2026, held on Saturday, March 21, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX was a highly successful collaborative event that brought together approximately 125 patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and subject matter experts from across the country.
Hosted in partnership with The Life Raft Group and GIST Support International, the day focused on bridging the gap between clinical research and patient care, providing both elemental and the more complex nuances of GIST. Dr. Neeta Somaiah, The Life Raft Group’s 2026 Clinician of the Year, did a masterful job in leading the Summit with not only her knowledge, but by engaging with some of the best medical experts in the country. Doctors Jonathan Trent, Michael Heinrich, Ping Chi, Heather Lyu and others impressed everyone with their expertise, forward thinking and compassion.
Topics discussed were GIST 101, the treatment of GIST, surgical approaches, drug development, and the next wave of therapies and trials. After breaking for lunch, the group came back together for a conversation with a trial patient and caregiver. The day concluded with a spirited Q&A – ‘Ask the experts’ panel and interactive roundtable discussions tailored to both the patient and caregiver.
It was a day that provided new promise and hope, and special connections for the GIST community.
We are excited to partner again with GSI in Houston next year to bring an even more robust and impactful experience for all.
Recordings of sessions will be available in the next few weeks.
To see more photos of the event: https://liferaftgroup.kudoboard.com/boards/Js6Ok4Lv/GISTSummit2026
