Scott Gottlieb has fired a shot across the FDA's statisticalconfidence bow. The former FDA Deputy Commissioner, using the Wall Street Journal as his command post, charges the regulator with "steadily disregarding" the provisions of the FDA Modernization Act that give it "broad discretion" to reduce the quantity and rigor of clinical data needed to approve drugs targeting grave illnesses.
Italian GISTers hold 4th national meeting Written by Gabriella Tedone A .I.G.’s (Associazione Italiana GIST) fourth national meeting was held at Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori (INT) in Milan on February 26, 2011. The focus [...]
One of the most common questions GIST patients ask of the Life Raft Group is how many cases of GIST out there are like mine? With a total of 1,279 GIST cases reported to us [...]
Medicaid is a state-run program that helps pay medical costs for some people with limited income and resources and meet other eligibility requirements. Medicaid also offers benefits not normally covered by Medicare, like help with personal care and rides to doctor appointments. If you qualify for Medicaid in your state, you automatically qualify to get Extra Help paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Go inside the Fletcher Science Lab at Brigham & Women's with David Josephy and Dr. Jonathan Fletcher. David Josephy is the President of Life Raft Group Canada, a member of the LRG Science Team, and [...]
The perilous world of dating can become even more complicated when you are living with cancer. This article is the second in a two part series on dating with a diagnosis of GIST. Part one, which was published in the February 2011 issue of the LRG newsletter featured experiences from three GIST survivors, Jason DeLorenzo, Eric Tan & Estelle Lecointe on the difficulties approaching the subject of GIST while dating. Part two covers tips on approaching the subject, a success story and new ways to meet people.
On April 21, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning letter to Novartis criticizing its promotion of blood level testing on its CML and GIST Alliance websites. As of September 30, 2010, Novartis terminated the CML and GIST Alliance programs which it had contracted with TDM Pharmaceutical Research, LLC. Since then, the Life Raft Group has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to try and resume this critical testing procedure as it has important potential for managing GIST patient care.
As of December 31, 2010 the Life Raft Group’s Patient Registry has now accounted for 1,279 cases of GIST. The members of this registry have reported their clinical information to us as it pertains to their treatment of GIST. Of these 1,279 cases, we are here to report some key demographics that will help you understand who is a part of Life Raft Group GIST Community.
“I learned a lot and feel so much better having the NIH team as an additional resource, “said LRG member, Anne Pacifico.
Food and Drug Commissioner Dr. Margaret Hamburg today conducted an unusual one-on-one dialogue with leaders of approximately 60 patient organizations at a forum hosted by the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD).
