The Life Raft Group is partnering with Deciphera Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Jonathan Trent of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to present “ctDNA and the INSIGHT Study” on November 10th at 2PM ET. During this virtual presentation, Dr. Trent will explain how ctDNA works as a non-invasive method to monitor mutations and disease progression, and how it may help personalize treatment strategies for GIST patients.
Denisse Evans, Sr. Director of Data Management & Research for the LRG, will present the results and analysis of the LRG’s recent patient survey: Understanding Mutational and ctDNA Testing for patients in the U.S. She will highlight how patients currently access and understand testing, key barriers to uptake, and what these findings reveal about the real-world experiences of the GIST community. Denisse will also discuss how these insights can help shape future education, advocacy, and research efforts to ensure patients have the tools they need to make informed decisions about their care.
A question-and-answer session will follow the presentation.
These webinars are for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any treatment or lifestyle changes. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to rpauley@liferaftgroup.org.
About Our Presenters
Dr. Jonathan Trent
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Jonathan Trent, M.D., Ph.D. is a board‑certified oncologist, professor of medicine, and Associate Director for Clinical Research at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System. He serves as the Director of the Bone and Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Group and leads the Sarcoma Medical Oncology program, with a focus on gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), chondrosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and other rare sarcomas.
Denisse Evans, MS
Senior Director, Data Mgmt. & Research
Ms. Evans has a wealth of experience in clinical evaluation projects including development of protocols, case report forms, informed consent, surveys, tissue repositories, and study initiation She is proficient in data management, preparing research for publication, drug development, clinical trial protocols, onco-pathological/genetical dissemination, and formulating research premises. As the Senior Director of Data Management & Research, Denisse is the principal investigator for study protocol design and strategy of Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO). She has expertise in the analysis, reporting, and dissemination of PRO data and present scientific work.
She leads a dedicated staff in both patient support and in the identification of data trends that may lead to actionable information that will help patients coping with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor. In addition, she takes the lead in collaborative research initiatives, including maintaining relationships with potential partners, contributing ongoing data, and supporting hypothesis generation with the goal of increasing patient survival and advancing GIST research.
Denisse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Rowan University, and a Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
