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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240819T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240819T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172318
CREATED:20240724T133110Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240724T134516Z
UID:10000786-1724068800-1724068800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Managing Side Effects of GIST Therapies
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group has partnered with Mia Weiss\, MD of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis to present “Managing Side Effects of GIST Therapies” to GIST patients and caretakers on August 19\, 2024 at 12pm. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Weiss will provide an overview of GIST treatments and their side effects as well as home management for each type of symptom and when to call the clinic. \n\n\nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\n \nDr. Mia Weiss\nWashington University School of Medicine in St. Louis \nMia C. Weiss\, M.D. is a medical oncologist with clinical interest in the care of patients with localized and metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcomas. She works collaboratively with pathologists\, radiation oncologists\, and orthopedic surgeons to assess\, diagnose\, and treat these complex malignancies. She is a member of the American College of Physicians\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology\, and the Connective Tissue Oncology Society. Her research interests include clinical trial development to assess efficacy of novel therapies in the treatment of metastatic sarcoma to ultimately improve patient survival and quality of life. She has particular interest related to genomics in sarcoma and finding ways to elucidate which patients are more likely to respond to targeted therapy and why some do not. Dr. Weiss has published several articles during her fellowship which most recently included a review on the use of Tazemetostat in epithelioid sarcoma\, a novel epigenetic regulator and the first of its kind to be approved in a solid tumor. Additionally\, Dr. Weiss has a strong interest in establishing a continuing medical educational program for community based primary care physicians and surgeons related to sarcoma and the importance of referring patients with soft tissue masses to an oncologic surgeon and ideally\, a sarcoma center\, to ensure optimal outcomes for patients. Dr. Weiss looks forward to continuing a career devoted to patient care\, research\, and education. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/managing-side-effects-of-gist-therapies/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240712T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240712T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20240617T175754Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250311T151017Z
UID:10000784-1720785600-1720785600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Awareness Day: A Focus on GIST Research
DESCRIPTION:July 13th\, GIST Awareness Day\, is a time when GIST experts\, patients\, and caregivers come together to educate the public about this disease and advocate for finding a cure.  The Life Raft Group invites GIST patients and caregivers to celebrate GIST Awareness Day with us on July 12th at 12PM ET. During this virtual event\, Dr. Matthew Hemming and PhD candidate Favour Akabogu of UMass Cancer Center will discuss exploring mechanisms driving GIST\, treatment efficacy\, and clinical outcomes\, as well as the importance of patient involvement in rare disease research. An interactive Q&A segment will follow their presentations. \n\nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\n \nDr. Matthew Hemming\nUMass Chan Medical School \nDr. Matthew Hemming  is an assistant professor of medicine at UMass Chan Medical School\, practicing sarcoma medical oncologist\, and principal investigator of the SarcomaLab. He received his BS from UC San Diego\, PhD from Harvard University\, and MD from Harvard Medical School. He completed internal medicine residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He has focused his clinical practice and laboratory work on sarcoma and GIST\, with the goal to improve diagnostic and treatment strategies through basic and translational research. \n \nFavour Akabogu\nPhD Candidate \nFavour Akabogu is a PhD candidate in the SarcomaLab through the Morningside Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School where she studies gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) with a focus on identifying novel treatment options. She got her B.A in Biology at Berea College in Kentucky and worked as a Research Associate at Vanderbilt University where she investigated the role of Discodain Domain Receptors (DDRs) in the progression of acute kidney injury to kidney fibrosis. Additionally\, she worked in collaboration with the CDC on understanding the household transmission respiratory disease particularly SARS-CoV2\, RSV and Influenza. She is passionate about healthcare and drug discovery through scientific innovation. She loves traveling\, dancing\, and spending time with family and friends in her free time. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-awareness-day-a-focus-on-gist-research/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240618T190000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20240422T181458Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240422T182217Z
UID:10000773-1718737200-1718737200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Updates from ASCO
DESCRIPTION:The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is an important conference in the oncology community where new scientific research updates are shared. The Life Raft Group is excited to partner with Dr. Herbert Loong\, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during ASCO 2024 that are relevant to the GIST patient community. Join us June 18th at 7pm ET for this virtual presentation. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\n \nDr. Herbert H. Loong\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/updates-asco-2024/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240522T110000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20240422T181945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240423T174622Z
UID:10000772-1716375600-1716375600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Demystifying Clinical Trials
DESCRIPTION:Insights from Experts and Participants\nJoin us May 22nd at 11am ET for an informative webinar presented by Dr. Candace Haddox of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute offering invaluable insights into the world of clinical trials in honor of International Clinical Trials Awareness Day. Dr. Haddox will delve into the fundamentals of clinical trials\, discussing their significance\, weighing the pros and cons of participation\, and guiding attendees through the entire process\, from initiation to conclusion. Following Dr. Haddox’s presentation\, there will be an interactive discussion with GISTer Kandee Evans\, currently enrolled in a clinical trial\, offering firsthand experiences and perspectives. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\n \nDr. Candace Haddox \nDana-Farber Cancer Institute \nDr. Haddox is an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School\, and a medical oncologist and clinical/translational investigator in the Sarcoma Center and the Center for Cancer Therapeutic Innovation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Dr. Haddox’s research focuses on developing novel therapies rooted in sarcoma biology and determining mechanisms of treatment response and resistance\, particularly in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). \nDr. Haddox received her Bachelor of Science in neurobiology from the University of Miami. She completed a post-baccalaureate research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health and received her Medical Degree from the University of South Florida. Dr. Haddox completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester\, Minnesota\, and a fellowship in Medical Oncology at Duke University\, where she also served as Chief Fellow. She joined the faculty at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in 2021\, where she currently sees patients with sarcomas and leads clinical trials in early drug development. \n \nKandee Evans \nGIST Advocate \nWith a career spanning over three decades\, Kandee Evans is a project management veteran who knows how to make things happen. After dedicating 30 years to her profession\, Kandee recently left her job to focus on her health as a GIST survivor and warrior. Not one to back down from a challenge\, she previously advocated fiercely for her oldest son when he was diagnosed with autism at just two years old. Now\, as a devoted wife and mother of two amazing sons\, Kandee continues to take on each day with grace\, courage\, and determination. \nAt the forefront of GIST research\, Kandee is making a difference through participation. She enrolled in a clinical trial with the University of Miami in February 2024\, she is helping test the effects of IDRX-42 under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Trent.  Her selfless commitment will provide key insights and move science one step closer to finding a treatment for this devastating disease. Kandee’s courage underscores the power of individuals to advance medical progress through clinical trial involvement. \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/demystifying-clinical-trials-insights-from-experts-and-participants/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240430T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240430T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20240403T191818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T191818Z
UID:10000771-1714478400-1714478400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Educate Yourself on GIST Research
DESCRIPTION:How to Educate Yourself on GIST Research – Searching the Web for GIST Science Publications\nLife Raft Group Science Team Member Jim Hughes will present “How to Educate Yourself on GIST Research- Searching the Web for GIST Science Publications” to GIST patients & caregivers on April 30th\, 2024 at 12pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Jim will outline the importance of patients and caregivers researching their cancer in order to best advocate for themselves. Jim will explain the importance of GIST publications and how to effectively do your own research\, and how to work together with fellow community members to share research findings. \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\n \nJim Hughes\nLRG Clinical Trials Database Coordinator/Science Team Member \nJim Hughes attended Kenyon College\, Ohio and Loyola University\, Chicago where he earned a BA in Philosophy. Between schools Jim served as an officer in the United States Army in the US and Vietnam and following his service worked in telecommunications for 35 years. \nJim and Margi are the parents of two children\, Nancy and Jamie. Nancy Hughes Welsh was an early member of The Life Raft Group (2002). Nancy was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in 1991 at age 23. After ten years of surgery and chemotherapy Nancy was re-diagnosed with GIST in 2001. Nancy participated in the Phase Three imatinib trial in 2001 and the Phase Two sunitinib trial in 2003. Nancy’s GIST was eventually diagnosed as SDH epimutant and passed away in 2005. \nJim serves as a Life Raft Group Board Member\, our Clinical Trials Database Coordinator and is a founding member of the LRG Science Team. \n  \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/educate-yourself-on-gist-research/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20240411T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20240411T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20240313T180524Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240403T190917Z
UID:10000770-1712836800-1712836800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Gaining Insight on the INSIGHT Phase 3 Study
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Neeta Somaiah of MD Anderson Cancer Center to host "Gaining Insight on the Phase 3 INSIGHT Clinical Trial" for the GIST community on April 11th\, 2024 from 12-1:15 pm ET. During the webinar\, Dr. Somaiah will present an overview of Deciphera Pharmaceutical's Phase 3 INSIGHT Clinical Trial. This study tests the investigational use of ripretinib in a subset of patients living with GIST. Webinar participants will learn about the INSIGHT study\, including eligibility\, site locations\, and study rationale. A Q & A session will follow the presentation.    \nPlease email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org to submit a question ahead of the presentation.  \n\n\n\n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician's guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nNeeta Somaiah\, MD\nMD Anderson Cancer Center \nDr. Neeta Somaiah received her medical degree from Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi\, India and has trained at St. John’s Episcopal in New York\, Drexel University Hospital and Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia\, prior to joining MD Anderson Cancer Center.  \nDr. Somaiah joined MD Anderson Cancer Center in 2012.  She has thirteen years of sarcoma and clinical research experience. She is board certified in Medical Oncology.  Her primary clinical and research focus is soft tissue sarcomas\, specifically liposarcomas and GIST.  She currently serves as the Principal Investigator of three investigator-initiated trials and nine cooperative group and industry-sponsored clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center and has in depth knowledge with extensive experience in the design and execution of clinical trials. She also has multiple ongoing collaborations for translational research\, both retrospective and prospective\, that help improve the understanding of these rare group of diseases and explore the role of immunotherapy as a therapeutic avenue.  Dr. Somaiah has been presented many honors for her expertise and contributions to science\, including an Exceptional Women in Medicine award and is among the top 1% providers nationally.   \nThank you to our Webinar Sponsor!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gaining-insight-on-the-insight-phase-3-study/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231207T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20231116T164425Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T164647Z
UID:10000633-1701954000-1701954000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Matching Biomarkers to Disease Biology & Therapy
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Jason Sicklick of UC San Diego Health’s Moores Cancer Center to present “Matching Biomarker to Biology and Therapy” for the GIST community on December 7th\, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Sicklick will discuss the importance of biomarker testing and research that correlates the biology of GIST with treatment. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\nDr. Jason Sicklick\nMoores Cancer Center\, US San Diego Health \nDr. Sicklick is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who specializes in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)\, abdominal/retroperitoneal sarcomas\, and liver tumors. \nHe is a champion of innovation and collaboration to improve outcomes for cancer patients. He leader of the Sarcoma Disease Team and Co-leader of the Structural and Function Genomics Program at UC San Diego Health’s Moores Cancer Center. Dr. Sicklick is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Soft-Tissue Sarcoma Committee and GIST Subcommittee\, which develops best practices for treating these rare and often challenging-to-treat cancers. \nAs professor of surgery and pharmacology at UC San Diego School of Medicine\, Dr. Sicklick conducts basic\, translational and clinical research to improve our understanding of GIST\, as well as to enhance precision medicine approaches for treating metastatic cancers. His laboratory focuses on the molecular mechanisms of GIST development and drug resistance. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/matching-biomarkers-to-disease/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231127T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231127T170000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20231031T133024Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T143542Z
UID:10000632-1701104400-1701104400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Updates from CTOS
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Herbert Loong of the Chinese University of Hong Kong to present “GIST Updates from CTOS 2023” to GIST patients and caregivers on November 27th at 5pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Loong will discuss scientific updates relevant to GIST patients that were exhibited at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) conference. A Q&A segment will follow Dr. Loong’s presentation. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nHerbert H. Loong\, MD\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong obtained his medical degree with a Distinction in Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2003. He has completed a Fellowship in Drug Development at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto\, Canada with a special focus on Experimental Therapeutics. His clinical and research interests also include Sarcoma Medical Oncology\, Thoracic Oncology and Health Economics. He is a recipient of the European Cancer Congress Fellowship Grant (2013)\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Merit Award (2014)\, the Hong Kong College of Physicians Young Investigators’ Award (2014). Nominated by patients and their caregivers\, Dr. Loong led the Lung Cancer Team at CUHK to be bestowed the IASLC Foundation Cancer Care Team Award in recognition for providing the best thoracic oncology care in “Asia & Rest of the World” in 2018. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-updates-from-ctos/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20231012T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20231012T110000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230804T192657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230804T192657Z
UID:10000626-1697108400-1697108400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Understanding GIST & Desmoid Tumors
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Jonathan Trent and Dr. Steven Bialick of Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to present “Understanding GIST and Desmoids” for the GIST/Desmoid community on October 12th\, 2023 at 11AM ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Trent and Dr. Bialick will discuss GIST and desmoid tumors to keep pace with the ever-growing body of knowledge about these disease groups\, and the development of new tools and strategies to support this patient and caregiver community. A Q&A session will follow the presentations. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\nDr. Jonathan Trent\nSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center \nJonathan C. Trent\, MD\, PhD is currently the Associate Director for Clinical Research\, the Director of the Bone and Soft-tissue Sarcoma Group at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Trent’s interests are in the clinical and translational research of sarcomas\, direct care of sarcoma patients\, and education about sarcoma. \n\nDr. Steven Bialick\nSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center \nSteven Bialick\, DO\, MS is a recent graduate of the hematology/oncology fellowship program at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is a medical oncologist specializing in the care of patients with sarcoma and gastrointestinal malignancies at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in South Florida. Dr. Bialick has a particular clinical research interest in connective tissue cancers and the role of circulating tumor DNA in solid tumor oncology. \n\nThank you to the sponsor of this webinar:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/understanding-gist-desmoid-tumors/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230928T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230928T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230817T122902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230822T183247Z
UID:10000629-1695902400-1695902400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Advocating for Yourself or a Loved One with GIST
DESCRIPTION:Santy DiSabatino\, Director of our US GIST Mentor Program\, will be chatting with a group of GIST patients who have extensive experience advocating for themselves and their loved ones for the best possible care. We are grateful to these individuals who have been so inspirational and thankful that they are willing to join us on September 28th at noon ET to share how to navigate the medical space to ensure that you receive the highest quality of life possible for you or your loved one. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nSanty DiSabatino\nDirector\, US GIST Mentor Program \nSanty DiSabatino has been very active in our LRG community as a volunteer\, serving currently as the Voluntary Director of the GIST Mentor program\, and as a mentor. \n\nOur Featured Guest Panel\n\nIan Seah \nIan Seah is an extremely active GIST patient originally from Singapore and who now resides in New York City. He has various interests that have led him to career opportunities in tech\, crypto\, snack foods and yoga. Since being diagnosed with GIST\, he has continued his diverse career ventures and now enjoys new hobbies such as photography and cooking. Ian has taken part in two GIST clinical trials at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has traveled to Europe for integrative treatment options in his journey to be cancer free. Ian is a great example of someone who has tirelessly advocated for himself to receive the best possible outcomes. \n\nMargaret McInteer\nMargaret McInteer is a loving wife\, mother\, grandmother\, and great grandmother who has worked over fifty years in education. After being diagnosed with GIST in 2019\, Margaret connected with The Life Raft Group and is grateful to have been connected with a wonderful mentor who helped her navigate her disease journey to ensure the highest quality of life. Margaret recounts that being diagnosed with GIST forced her to slow down\, take care of herself\, and pay attention to the important things. She feels her life is even richer now and more fulfilling. \n\n  \nJean and Gary Erion`\nJean and Gary Erion are a married couple who both live with GIST. Gary is retired from the social work/counseling space and Jean currently works in the Assisted Living sector providing direct care. Jean and Gary enjoy long walks and spending quality time with their loved ones. Throughout their GIST journey\, Jean and Gary have advocated for themselves and each other\, gaining valuable self-advocacy experience. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/advocating-for-yourself-and-loved-ones/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230918T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230918T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230721T225845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230822T183423Z
UID:10000567-1695038400-1695038400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Getting the GIST of It: How to Manage Side Effects of GIST Therapies
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group has partnered with Emmeline C. Academia\, PharmD\, BCOP of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to present “Getting the GIST of it: How to Manage Side Effects of GIST Therapies” for GIST patients and caretakers on September 18th\, 2023 at 12pm. During this virtual presentation\, Ms. Academia will provide an overview of GIST treatments and their side effects as well as home management for each type of symptom and when to call the clinic. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter:\nEmmeline C. Academia\, PharmD\, BCOP \nBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center \nMs. Academia is a practicing clinical pharmacy specialist in adult oncology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She is board certified in oncology\, and sub-specializes in gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies\, along with sarcoma. She precepts students from Northeastern University and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. She is a contributing editor for MET Crusaders\, a nonprofit organization dedicated to patients with MET alterations. She also reviews and writes for GoodRx\, focusing on oncology-related medications and topics\, and is the co-author of several published journal articles. Dr. Academia received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of California\, San Francisco before completing 2 years of pharmacy residency at the University of Colorado in general pharmacy practice\, followed by specialized training in adult oncology. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/manage-side-effects/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230713T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230713T131500
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230601T184055Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230706T163000Z
UID:10000565-1689249600-1689254100@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Awareness Day 2023
DESCRIPTION:July 13th\, GIST Awareness Day\, is a time where GIST experts\, patients\, caregivers can come together to educate the public about this disease and advocate towards finding a cure. The Life Raft Group invites GIST patients and caregivers to celebrate GIST Awareness Day with us on July 13th from noon to 1:15pm ET. During this virtual event\, Dr. Jason Sicklick of UC San Diego Health\, Dr. John Glod of the National Cancer Institute\, and Dr. Venkata Ramesh Bulusu of Cambridge University Hospital will discuss GIST research updates. An interactive Q&A segment will follow their presentations. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenters\nDr. Ramesh Bulusu\nCambridge University Hospitals \nDr. Ramesh Bulusu has trained at the Beatson Oncology Centre\, Glasgow\, Addenbrooke’s Hospital\, Cambridge and Churchill hospital\, Oxford\, before taking up his consultant position in Addenbrooke’s hospital in Cambridge in 2002.Dr Bulusu is the founder/chairman of the Cambridge Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) Study Group and the network lead for GISTs in Cambridge. He has served as the Track leader and member of the Sarcoma Track of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Scientific Committee from 2013-2017. \nDr Bulusu is passionate about GISTs and is currently heading a national focus group PAWS-GIST (paediatric\, adolescent\, wild type and syndromic).In 2014\, he has established a national clinic in Cambridge for PAWS-GIST to facilitate research in this rare subgroup of GISTs.\nHe is actively involved in the training and education of health care professionals in the management of GISTs and has presented and lectured extensively\, both nationally and internationally. He has co-authored the UK GIST guidelines in 2004\, 2009 and 2017. \nDr. John Glod\nNIH Center for Cancer Research\, National Cancer  \nAs a member of the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics section of the NCI Pediatric Oncology Branch\, Dr. Glod’s research program focuses broadly on developing new therapies for the treatment of pediatric cancer patients with a focus on rare solid tumors. Dr. Glod has expertise in the management and treatment of patients with rare tumor predisposition syndromes including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B and germline succinate dehydrogenase deficiency. He is the NCI principal investigator (PI) for a natural history study of patients with MEN2B and a single institution study of guadecitabine in SDH-deficient GIST\, paraganglioma\, and renal cell cancer as well as other early phase studies in pediatric oncology. \nDr. Jason Sicklick\nMoores Cancer Center\, US San Diego Health \nis an NIH-funded investigator and Associate Professor of Surgery at the University of California San Diego Moores Cancer Center. He is a board-certified general surgeon and surgical oncologist specializing in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases and sarcomas\, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). In 2016\, Dr. Sicklick was named the GIST Clinician of the Year by the Life Raft GIST Support Group\, the largest GIST patient advocacy group in the world. In 2018\, Dr. Sicklick was selected as a James IV Association of Surgeons fellow. This highly prestigious international traveling fellowship is designed to promote communication and collaboration in the surgical community. In 2018 he also received the RARE Champion of Hope in Medical Care & Treatment Award from the Global Genes-Allies in Rare Disease. He obtained his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine\, completed his general surgery residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital\, and completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He joined the Division of Surgical Oncology at Moores Cancer Center in 2010. \nDr. Sicklick is an active member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Sarcoma and Hepatobiliary Committees\, the Transatlantic Atlantic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group\, and the SDH GIST Consortium. Dr. Sicklick is on the Editorial Boards of Annals of Surgical Oncology\, Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Journal of Surgical Research. He has published in prestigious journals such as Clinical Cancer Research\, Annals of Surgery\, JAMA Surgery\, Surgery\, and Annals of Surgical Oncology. His translational and clinical research focus on molecular mechanisms of GIST\, as well as precision medicine approaches to cancer therapy. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-awareness-day-2023-sdh-webinar/
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230620T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230620T183000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230509T171420Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230601T192629Z
UID:10000500-1687285800-1687285800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Updates from ASCO
DESCRIPTION:ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) is an important conference in the oncology community where new scientific research updates are shared. The Life Raft Group is excited to host Dr. Herbert Loong\, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during this conference that are relevant to the GIST patient community. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nHerbert H. Loong\, MD\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong obtained his medical degree with a Distinction in Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2003. He has completed a Fellowship in Drug Development at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto\, Canada with a special focus on Experimental Therapeutics. His clinical and research interests also include Sarcoma Medical Oncology\, Thoracic Oncology and Health Economics. He is a recipient of the European Cancer Congress Fellowship Grant (2013)\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Merit Award (2014)\, the Hong Kong College of Physicians Young Investigators’ Award (2014). Nominated by patients and their caregivers\, Dr. Loong led the Lung Cancer Team at CUHK to be bestowed the IASLC Foundation Cancer Care Team Award in recognition for providing the best thoracic oncology care in “Asia & Rest of the World” in 2018. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-updates-from-asco/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230519T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230519T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230424T031643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230509T171719Z
UID:10000492-1684497600-1684501200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Clinical Trials 101
DESCRIPTION:Dr. Ciara Kelly will be presenting “Clinical Trials 101” to GIST patients and caretakers on May 19th\, 2023 at 12pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Kelly will discuss types of clinical trials\, how to find a clinical trial\, current open clinical trials\, and more. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nDr. Ciara Kelly\,\nMedical Oncologist\, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center \nDr. Kelly is a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center who has expertise in treating and researching bone and soft tissue sarcomas and merkel cell carcinoma. She works very closely with a team of medical oncologists\, surgeons\, radiation oncologists\, nurses\, and patient support advocates. \nDr. Kelly’s research aims to develop new and more personalized therapies to treat sarcomas. She is actively involved in developing and designing clinical trials that will look at novel agents that target molecular changes within tumors. She is also studying innovative combination immunotherapy options that will harness a person’s own immune defenses to fight their cancer. \nDr. Kelly has a particular interest in advancing understanding of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and other sarcomas at the molecular level. She is using liquid biopsies to analyze tumor DNA in the blood and tumor biopsies to uncover a biomarker that will ultimately help match the best treatment option with each individual person’s tumor. Dr. Kelly is committed to designing and developing novel therapeutic clinical trials for GIST patients that incorporate correlative studies which provide an opportunity to further our understanding of this disease. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/clinical-trials-101/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230502T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230502T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230403T162300Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230403T163003Z
UID:10000491-1683028800-1683032400@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Managing Your Mental Health After Diagnosis
DESCRIPTION:Receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing cancer treatment can be a highly stressful and emotionally challenging experience. Patients may experience a range of emotions such as fear\, anxiety\, depression and grief\, as well as many physical symptoms. Paying attention to your mental health is an important part of coping with a cancer diagnosis. The Life Raft Group is partnering with Sarah Paul of CancerCare to host this webinar on May 2nd at 12 ET to discuss why mental health matters and discover ways to find the emotional support that is right for you. \nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter:\nSarah Paul\, LCSW\, OSW-C\nDirector of Clinical Programs\, CancerCare \nMs. Paul is the Director of Clinical Programs and is responsible for delivering CancerCare’s free services to people whose lives are affected by cancer while overseeing administrative aspects of the social work department. Sarah is passionate about creating and developing specialized programs to meet the needs of underserved populations and has a specialization in working with children\, adolescents and young adults. Before starting at CancerCare\, she received her BA in Psychology from SUNY New Paltz and her Master’s in Social Work from Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College. She is a board certified oncology social worker and in 2020\, she was awarded the Aquamarine Leadership Award by the National Association of Social Workers\, New York City Chapter. \nThank you to our 2023 Webinar Sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/managing-mental-health-after-diagnosis/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230316T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230316T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20230222T214046Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230223T133610Z
UID:10000487-1678968000-1678968000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Nutrition Management & Multidisciplinary Approaches in GIST
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Fundación GIST México to present Nutrition Management and Multidisciplinary Approaches in GIST for GIST patients and caretakers on March 16th at 12pm ET.  During this virtual presentation\, Ms. Carbajal-López will describe the onco-nutritional pathway\, effects of malnutrition in GIST\, multidisciplinary approaches to nutrition\, exercise\, and more. \nThere will be time for questions after the presentation. If you would like to submit your questions ahead of time or if you have questions about the presentation\, please email Sara Rothschild: srothschild@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nBerenice Carbajal-López\nFundación GIST México \nMs. Carbajal-López is a doctoral student who holds a master’s degree in Health Sciences with a thesis related to the use of technologies in the nutritional and psychological care of patients with GIST. She has a diploma in Clinical Research and Biostatistics at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico. She has experience in health care of GIST patients\, as Patient Care Coordinator from 2014 to 2019 and as Global Director since 2020 at Fundación GIST México. Ms. Carbajal-López has also collaborated in drafting and review of research articles and book chapters in the area of Oncology\, with eight publications to date as main author and co-author in indexed journals and has participated in national and international congresses such as SMEO 2018\, ASCO 2019\, and ESMO-GI 2017\, 2018\, 2019\, 2020\, 2021\, and 2022. \nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/nutrition-management-multidisciplinary-approaches-in-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230208T190000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20221209T191343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221211T172523Z
UID:10000250-1675882800-1675882800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Updates from CTOS
DESCRIPTION:The Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Herbert Loong of The Chinese University of Hong Kong to present “GIST Updates from CTOS 2022” to GIST patients and caregivers on February 8th at 7pm ET. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Loong will discuss scientific updates relevant to GIST patients that were exhibited at the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) conference. A Q&A segment will follow Dr. Loong’s presentation. \n\nPlease note that this webinar is not a substitute for your physician’s guidance and care.\nREGISTERAbout Our Presenter\nHerbert H. Loong\, MD\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong obtained his medical degree with a Distinction in Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2003. He has completed a Fellowship in Drug Development at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto\, Canada with a special focus on Experimental Therapeutics. His clinical and research interests also include Sarcoma Medical Oncology\, Thoracic Oncology and Health Economics. He is a recipient of the European Cancer Congress Fellowship Grant (2013)\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Merit Award (2014)\, the Hong Kong College of Physicians Young Investigators’ Award (2014). Nominated by patients and their caregivers\, Dr. Loong led the Lung Cancer Team at CUHK to be bestowed the IASLC Foundation Cancer Care Team Award in recognition for providing the best thoracic oncology care in “Asia & Rest of the World” in 2018. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-updates-from-ctos-2022/
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20230118T100000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20221227T160551Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230103T165747Z
UID:10000251-1674036000-1674036000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:La Senda Verde - Virtual Tour
DESCRIPTION:La Senda Verde Tour – January 18 at 10am ET\n \nOur theme for 2023 is Thriving Together and during this time\, we’ll present stories and featured webinars on how our patients & caregivers are thriving living with GIST. We want to celebrate these personal passions and joys with the desire to bring our community their own moments of joy and relaxation through these experiences. \n \nLa Senda Verde co-founders Vicky Ossio & Marcelo Levy \nCaregiver Vicky Ossio shares her passion for rescuing and rehoming animals who were confiscated due to  illegal trafficking and the destruction of their habitats. With co-founder Marcelo Levy\, this sanctuary has sheltered hundreds of displaced animals and worked toward providing a diverse\, natural setting through progressive conservation called rewilding. \nVicky came to know The Life Raft Group through her daughter Carolina\, who was diagnosed with GIST in 2006 at age 27. She and Carolina have attended many Life Fest weekends and GDOLs and have been active volunteers with the LRG throughout the years. \nREGISTERVicky and Marcelo will share a view of Senda Verde to our community on January 18th at 10am. Everyone is welcome to join and enjoy this presentation with a live Q&A to follow. During our tour\, we will meet birds\, reptiles\, monkeys and other big mammals\, like bears and big cats. We will also make a quick visit to our rewinding area to see the native stingless bees\, and our butterfly farm. \nSenda Verde was established in 2003 in the subtropical region east side of the Bolivian Andes in South America. Concerned about the urgent need to do something meaningful in favor of the natural world\, Vicky and Marcelo decided to take hands-on action. They decided to devote their energy\, effort and work to that noble and inspiring task: saving and sheltering wild animals rescued from illegal trafficking and destruction of habitats. \nSenda Verde shelters approximately one thousand wild animals. This sanctuary exists to save and shelter animals rescued from illegal trafficking and destruction of habitats\, and to inspire people to value nature. They have taken a progressive approach to conservation within our property and surrounding areas\, letting natural processes enhance and reshape the land and restore degraded old agricultural landscapes.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/la-senda-verde-virtual-tour/
CATEGORIES:Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/la-senda-verde-event-image.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221208T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221208T170000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20221101T131851Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221101T132210Z
UID:10000248-1670518800-1670518800@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Interactive Q&A with SDH Families
DESCRIPTION:December 8 @ 5PM ET \nThe Life Raft Group invites SDH-deficient GIST patients and caregivers to join us for a virtual conversation with Dr. Sosipatros Boikos of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. During this meeting\, Dr. Boikos will present background on SDH-deficient GIST and open the meeting to an interactive Q&A with families. Please come prepared with questions and time to interact with the group! \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nDr. Sosipatros Boikos\nGeorgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center \nSosipatros Boikos\, MD\, is a fellowship-trained\, board-certified medical oncologist with clinical privileges at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is one of the most experienced sarcoma medical oncologists in the Washington\, D.C. metropolitan area\, with 11 years of experience treating sarcomas and rare tumors and more than 20 years of experience in the area of sarcoma cancer genetics and cell biology. Dr. Boikos currently serves MedStar Health as Co-Leader of the Sarcoma Working Group at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.    \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/interactive-qa-with-sdh-families/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221108T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221108T140000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20221025T145353Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221025T145402Z
UID:10000247-1667912400-1667916000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Surgical Considerations for GIST
DESCRIPTION:November 8\, 2022 @ 1PM ET\nThe Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Andrew Blakely\, surgical oncologist\, National Cancer Institute\, Center for Cancer Research\, NIH\, to discuss the basics of surgical removal of primary GISTs and considerations in multimetastatic disease. The presentation will include case examples for both non-wild-type and wild-type or SDH-deficient GIST. Q&A will follow the presentation. \nIf you have any questions about this webinar\, please email srothschild@liferaftgroup.org \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nDr. Andrew Blakely\nNational Cancer Institute\, Center for Cancer Research\nNational Institutes of Health \nDr. Blakely completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering followed by medical school at Drexel University. He went on to general surgery residency at Brown University. During residency\, he spent two years of dedicated research time at the Center for Biomedical Engineering developing a device for tissue engineering applications. That work then led to a National Science Foundation grant and a patent. Dr. Blakely then completed his fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Blakely is currently a surgical oncologist specializing in peritoneal surface malignancies and soft tissue sarcomas. One of the primary focuses of his research includes improving surgical treatment and ex vivo tumor modeling of gastrointestinal stromal tumors.   \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/surgical-considerations-for-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20221012T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20221012T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220913T233534Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220926T132350Z
UID:10000245-1665576000-1665576000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:The Emerging Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in GIST
DESCRIPTION:October 12\, Noon ET \nIn this webinar\, “The Emerging Role of Circulating Tumor DNA in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor”\, Dr. Bialick will discuss recent data looking at treatment outcomes based off KIT resistant mutations identified by circulating tumor DNA in patients with GIST. \nREGISTEROur Presenter\nSteven Bialick\, DO\nSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center\, Miami \nSteve Bialick\, DO\, is a  hematology/oncology fellow at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami\, FL.  He completed his internal medicine residency within the University of Pennsylvania Health System before working as a hematologic malignancy hospitalist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia\, PA.  He is now completing his oncology training with a focus on solid tumor malignancies\, specifically soft tissue and bone sarcomas.  His research interests include hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes\, circulating tumor DNA and its role in guiding targeted therapies\, and the role of DNA damage repair pathways in sarcomas. \nThank you to our Sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/the-emerging-role-of-circulating-tumor-dna-in-gist/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220812T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220812T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220504T183401Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220504T183401Z
UID:10000234-1660305600-1660309200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:The Importance of Biomarker Testing
DESCRIPTION:August 12th\, 12-1pm ET\nThe Life Raft Group is partnering with Dr. Michael Wagner from the University of Washington to present “The Importance of Biomarker Testing” to GIST patients and caregivers on August 12th\, 2022 from 12pm-1pm EST. During this virtual presentation\, Dr. Wagner will describe what biomarker testing is and how GIST patients can advocate for this test to ensure the best treatment for their specific cancer. \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nDr. Michael Wagner\nUniversity of Washington \nMichael Wagner\, MD is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Research Division at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC). He is the Director of Sarcoma Clinical Research. After graduating from Harvard University with a medical degree\, Dr. Wagner completed his residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York and medical oncology fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Wagner has received numerous awards\, including the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO Young Investigator Award and QuadW Foundation-AACR Fellowship for Clinical/Translational Research for his research on sarcoma. Dr. Wagner has been in his current position in Seattle since 2017. \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/importance-of-biomarker-testing/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/importance-biomarker-testing.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220713T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220713T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220629T193124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220629T233740Z
UID:10000236-1657713600-1657717200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:GIST Awareness Day Webinar: SDH Updates and Stories
DESCRIPTION:GIST Awareness Day (GAD)\, July 13th)\, is a time where GIST experts\, patients\, caregivers can come together to educate the public about this disease and advocate towards finding a cure. The Life Raft Group invites GIST patients and caregivers to celebrate GAD with us on July 13th at 12pm. During this virtual event\, Dr. John Glod\, Clinical Director of the Pediatric Oncology Branch in the Center for Cancer Research at National Cancer Institute\, will discuss updates from the NIH Pediatric & Wildtype GIST Clinic\, which is a part of My Pediatric and Adult Rare Tumor Network (MyPART). Immediately following Dr. Glod’s presentation\, pediatric GIST patient Lleyton Schelesky will share his GIST story. After the presentations\, there will be time for a Q&A. \nIf you have questions about SDH-deficient GIST and would like to submit them prior to the webinar\, please send them to Sara Rothschild at srothschild@liferaftgroup.org. \nREGISTERAbout the Presenters\nJohn Glod\, MD\, PhD\nAssociate Research Physician\, National Cancer Institute\, Pediatric Oncology Branch \nDr. Glod obtained his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in Denver and trained in pediatrics and pediatric oncology at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital\, Johns Hopkins Hospital\, and the Pediatric Oncology Branch of the NCI.  Following an fellowship in neuro-oncology at the NCI\, Dr. Glod served as faculty in the departments of pediatrics and pharmacology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Dr. Glod joined the Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Section in 2013.  His research interests focus on understanding the biology of rare pediatric solid tumors and exploring new therapies for patients with these diseases. \n\nLleyton Schelesky\nPatient Advocate \nLleyton was diagnosed with GIST at age 12. Now a young adult\, Lleyton will share his experience with SDH-deficient GIST.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/gist-awareness-day-2022/
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220629T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220629T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220502T183139Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220502T183139Z
UID:10000233-1656504000-1656507600@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Managing Medical Bills
DESCRIPTION:June 29th\, 12-1pm ET\nThe Life Raft Group is partnering with Triage Cancer to present Managing Medical Bills to GIST patients and caregivers on June 29th\, 2022 from 12pm-1pm EST. During this virtual presentation\, Melissa Salamon of Triage Cancer will provide valuable information on how to mitigate the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis across the continuum of care. \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nMelissa Salamon\nTriage Cancer \nMelissa is a Staff Attorney at Triage Cancer\, where she provides education on the legal and financial issues that may occur after a cancer diagnosis. Prior to joining Triage Cancer\, Melissa ran the Health Law Partnerships at the Legal Aid Society of Southwest Ohio. Before law school\, Melissa served as an Urban Youth Development volunteer with the U.S. Peace Corps in Paraguay where she became fluent in Spanish. She also worked as a Case Manager in the foster care system in Hillsborough County\, Florida. \nMelissa attended the Ohio State University where she graduated with a J.D./M.A. dual degree from the Moritz College of Law and John Glenn School of Public Affairs. She graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Tulane University. She is a member of the Ohio bar. \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/managing-medical-bills/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220615T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220615T200000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220502T151913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220502T151913Z
UID:10000232-1655319600-1655323200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Updates from ASCO 2022
DESCRIPTION:Webinar\, June 15\, 7-8 pm ET \nASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology) is an important conference in the oncology community where new scientific research updates are shared. The Life Raft Group is excited to present Dr. Andrew Wagner and Dr. Herbert Loong\, who will summarize abstracts and presentations that were presented during this conference that are relevant to the GIST patient community. \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter:\nAndrew J. Wagner\, MD\nDana-Farber Cancer Institute \nDr. Andrew J. Wagner is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Medical Director of Adult Ambulatory Oncology. As a medical oncologist and translational researcher in the Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School\, Dr. Wagner focuses on the treatment of patients with GIST and sarcoma\, and conducts laboratory research and clinical studies to identify new targets and treatments for these diseases. He received a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular and an MD from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. Dr. Wagner completed his Internship and Residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston\, where he later served as Chief Medical Resident. He completed a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute\, Brigham and Women’s Hospital\, and Massachusetts General Hospital\, and then joined the Oncology Staff at Dana-Farber where he is currently a Senior Physician in the Department of Medical Oncology. \n\nHerbert H. Loong\, MBBS\, PDipMDPath\, MRCP(UK)\, FRCP Edin\, FHKCP\, FHKAM(Medicine)\nThe Chinese University of Hong Kong \nDr. Herbert H. Loong holds conjoint appointments of Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Oncology and Deputy Medical Director of the Phase 1 Clinical Trials Centre of The Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is also the current and founding convenor of the Prince of Wales Hospital Adult Sarcoma Multidisciplinary Team. \nDr. Loong obtained his medical degree with a Distinction in Surgery from The University of Hong Kong in 2003. He has completed a Fellowship in Drug Development at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto\, Canada with a special focus on Experimental Therapeutics. His clinical and research interests also include Sarcoma Medical Oncology\, Thoracic Oncology and Health Economics. \nDr. Loong is a recipient of the European Cancer Congress Fellowship Grant (2013)\, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting Merit Award (2014)\, the Hong Kong College of Physicians Young Investigators’ Award (2014). Nominated by patients and their caregivers\, Dr. Loong led the Lung Cancer Team at CUHK to be bestowed the IASLC Foundation Cancer Care Team Award in recognition for providing the best thoracic oncology care in “Asia & Rest of the World” in 2018. \nDr. Loong has served or continues to serve in various capacities in various professional international oncology bodies\, including the International Affairs Committee and the Asia-Pacific Regional Council of ASCO\, the Membership\, Education and Communications Committees of the IASLC. He has been elected as a Board Member of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society (CTOS) for 2022-2024. He is also a founding executive committee member of the newly formed Asia Pacific Oncology Drug Development Network (APODDC). He is also a Board Member in the specialty of Medical Oncology in the Hong Kong College of Physicians. In his appointment as a Registration Committee member of Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong\, he helps oversee the registration of medicinal products and clinical trials in the territory. \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/updates-asco-2022/
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220504T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220504T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220406T120523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220406T120523Z
UID:10000229-1651665600-1651669200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Effects of Nutrition and the Gut Microbiome in GIST Patients
DESCRIPTION:May 4th\, 12-1pm ET \nThe Life Raft Group is partnering with Fundación GIST México to present “Effects of Nutrition and Gut Microbiome in GIST Patients” to GIST patients and caretakers on May 4th at 12pm ET. Ms. Berenice Carbajal-López is a doctoral student who holds a Master in Health Sciences with a thesis related to the use of technologies in the nutritional and psychological care of patients with GIST. During this virtual presentation\, Ms. Carbajal-López will describe the benefits of proper nutrition\, the relationship between nutrition and surgical procedures\, the link between the microbiome and cancer\, and exercise. \nREGISTERAbout our Presenter: \nMs. Berenice Carbajal-López is a doctoral student who holds a master’s degree in Health Sciences with a thesis related to the use of technologies in the nutritional and psychological care of patients with GIST. She has a diploma in Clinical Research and Biostatistics at the National Cancer Institute in Mexico. She has experience in health care of GIST patients\, as Patient Care Coordinator from 2014 to 2019 and as Global Director since 2020 at Fundación GIST México. Ms. Carbajal-López has also collaborated in drafting and review of research articles and book chapters in the area of Oncology\, with eight publications to date as main author and co-author in indexed journals and has participated in national and international congresses such as SMEO 2018\, ASCO 2019\, and ESMO-GI 2017\, 2018\, 2019\, 2020\, 2021\, and 2022. \nThank you to our 2022 LRG webinar sponsors:
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/nutrition-gut-microbiome-in-gist-patients/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220406T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220406T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220224T171146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220303T154212Z
UID:10000208-1649246400-1649250000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Be an Informed Patient\, Part 2: GIST
DESCRIPTION:Be an Informed Patient\, Part 2: Navigating GIST NCCN Guidelines\nIn Part Two of our “Be an Informed Patient” series\, The Life Raft Group invites all GIST patients and caregivers to register for our NCCN Webinar taking place on April 6th at 12:00 pm ET. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) creates guidelines for different diseases to guide physicians in their clinical practice. Dr. Margaret von Mehren serves as the Chair of the sarcoma NCCN guidelines and has been a valuable player along with her medical colleagues on the evolution of the GIST guidelines over the years. In this webinar\, Dr. von Mehren will educate GIST patients and caregivers about these guidelines and provide some case study examples of how guidelines fit into the rubric of patient care. The Life Raft Group will also share insights on real world experiences among the patient community with the guidelines. \nREGISTERAbout our presenters:\nMargaret von Mehren\, MD\nFox Chase Cancer Center \nDr. Margaret von Mehren is Chief of Division of Sarcoma Medical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Her research interest focuses in developmental therapeutics for sarcomas and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. She has led investigator-initiated trials\, collaborated with other investigators\, sarcoma clinical trials group\, as well as industry sponsored studies in the testing of novel agents in these rare diseases. Collaboration with the Phase I program and basic scientists at Fox Chase Cancer Center and elsewhere is key to identifying potential novel agents which may have a therapeutic benefit in the treatment of sarcomas. Dr. von Mehren’s work in sarcoma therapeutic development informs her role as the Associate Director of Clinical Research\, in which she oversees the development of investigator initiated clinical trials\, the scientific review and prioritization process of trials as well as conduct of clinical trials at Fox Chase Cancer Center. \n\nDenisse Montoya\, MS\nSenior Director\, Data Mgmt. & Research\, The Life Raft Group \nMs. Montoya 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. \nShe 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. \nDenisse holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Rowan University\, and a Master of Science Degree in Biomedical Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/be-an-informed-patient-part-2-gist/
CATEGORIES:Events,Webcast
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220222T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220222T120000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20220202T155920Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220203T134700Z
UID:10000204-1645531200-1645531200@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Be an Informed Patient
DESCRIPTION:Navigating Survivorship Care\nFebruary 22 at 12pm ET \nThe Life Raft Group invites cancer patients and survivors and their caregivers to register for a webinar taking place on February 22\, 2022. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) has created guidelines specifically for patients and caregivers to help them navigate survivorship care. During this webinar\, NCCN’s Dr. Crystal Denlinger and Dottie Shead will review general principles of appropriate survivorship care and how to access and understand patient guidelines related to survivorship care\, so that all can ensure they are getting the appropriate care as cancer survivors. \nREGISTERAbout the Presenters\n\nDr. Crystal Denlinger\nSenior Vice President\, National Comprehensive Cancer Network \nCrystal Denlinger joined the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) as Senior Vice President\, Chief Scientific Officer in April 2021. She oversees NCCN’s Oncology Research Program and the Drugs & Biologics and Biomarkers Compendia\, and provides\ninput into NCCN’s other programs. Prior to joining NCCN\, Dr. Denlinger was an Associate Professor of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. In this capacity\, she served as the Chief of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology where she managed the program’s clinical and research efforts\, the Deputy Director of the Early Phase Drug Development Program\, and Co-Director of the Survivorship Program. \nDr. Denlinger is a graduate of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and The College of New Jersey\, where she earned her medical degree and bachelors of science. She completed her internal medicine residency at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City and her fellowship in hematology/oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center/Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. \nDr. Denlinger is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (ACP) and a member of several medical societies\, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). She has an extensive lecture and publication history\, with clinical and research interests including gastrointestinal cancers\, early phase drug development\, and cancer survivorship. \n\n\nDottie Shead\nSenior Director of Patient Information\, National Comprehensive Cancer Network \nIn this role\, Ms. Shead is responsible for production of the NCCN Guidelines for Patients. She monitors and maintains tracking schedules representing the status of the NCCN Guidelines for Patients in the development process and web publication. In addition\, Ms. Shead oversees the production of NCCN Programs affiliated with the NCCN Guidelines for Patients\, including the NCCN Know What Your Doctors Know Webinar series and NCCN Animations for Patients. \nMs. Shead joined NCCN in 2000 and served as a Guideline Coordinator responsible for the development\, update and publication of assigned NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines. Dottie has a Master’s degree in Health Administration from St. Joseph’s University\, and a B.S. in Biology from Arcadia University.
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/be-an-informed-patient-navigating-survivorship-care/
CATEGORIES:Education,Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://liferaftgroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NCCN.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20220106T130000
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20211217T160325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220106T144522Z
UID:10000178-1641470400-1641474000@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:The Value of Biomarker Testing: Case Studies
DESCRIPTION:Case Studies Across Multiple Institutions\nUnderstanding the role of mutations and biomarker testing in GIST is one of most important things that GIST patients need to learn. Knowing the driving force behind each individual’s tumors is not just important\, it is critical. In this webinar\, you will hear case study presentations from three top sarcoma institutions that demonstrate the value of biomarker testing. A Question & Answer session will follow the presentations. \nREGISTERPresenters:\nPrapassorn Thirasastr\, MD\, MSc\nPost doctorate Fellow\nSarcoma Medical Oncology Department\nThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center\, Texas \nDr. Thirasastr graduated from faculty of medicine\, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok\, Thailand. She had trained at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital\, Bangkok\, Thailand for 6 years and received board certification in both Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. Also\, she had awarded a Higher Graduate Diploma of Clinical Sciences and Master of Sciences degree from Chulalongkorn University in 2016 and 2018\, respectively. Dr. Thirasastr had practiced as a medical oncologist in Thailand for 2 years before joining post-doctoral research program in MD Anderson Cancer Center under Dr. Neeta Somaiah\, an Associate Professor of Sarcoma Medical Oncology and Deputy Chair in Division of Cancer Medicine at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center\, as her Mentor.Currently her researches focus on sarcoma\, especially liposarcoma\, and GISTs and she has engaged in both clinical and basic science research projects. \n\nSteven Bialick\, DO\nSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center\, Miami \nSteve Bialick\, DO is a second-year hematology/oncology fellow at Jackson Memorial Hospital and the University of Miami/Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in Miami\, FL.  He completed his internal medicine residency within the University of Pennsylvania Health System before working as a hematologic malignancy hospitalist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia\, PA.  He is now completing his oncology training with a focus on solid tumor malignancies\, specifically soft tissue and bone sarcomas.  His research interests include hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes\, circulating tumor DNA and its role in guiding targeted therapies\, and the role of DNA damage repair pathways in sarcomas. \n\nDr. Dixon Dorand\, MD\, PhD\nClinical Fellow\nVanderbilt University Medical Center \nDr. R. Dixon Dorand\, Jr.\, MD\, PhD completed his graduate studies at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland\, OH. His research with Dr. Alex Huang\, MD\, PhD at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital focused on understanding the mechanisms regulating immune therapy in adolescent and young adult cancers. Specifically\, he investigated the signaling pathways that alter gene expression involved in regulating responses to immune checkpoint therapy as well as the role of nanoparticles for drug delivery. After graduation\, he enrolled in the Physician Scientist Training Program at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he completed his internal medicine residency training.   \nDr. Dorand is currently completing his medical oncology fellowship in the Molecular and Genetic Epidemiology of Cancer program at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center (VICC). He works in the laboratory of Dr. Ben H. Park\, MD\, PhD where he uses a basic science approach to interrogate how mutations that regulate genetic machinery can be manipulated for therapeutic benefit. He also uses genetic profiling to determine which tumor mutations contribute to chemotherapy resistance in sarcomas. Clinically\, he collaborates with Dr. Elizabeth Davis\, MD & Dr. Vicki Keedy\, MD at VICC to characterize mutations in patient tumor samples in GIST and other sarcoma types that may provide new therapeutic targets. He hopes to pursue a career focused on GIST and other soft tissue & bone sarcomas once he completes his formal training. 
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/biomarker-testing-case-studies/
CATEGORIES:Events
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20211118T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20211118T141500
DTSTAMP:20260504T172319
CREATED:20211013T191553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211101T192901Z
UID:10000174-1637240400-1637244900@liferaftgroup.org
SUMMARY:Immunotherapy and GIST
DESCRIPTION:As the landscape of GIST treatment continues to evolve\, the area of immunotherapy has grown interest. GIST contains tumor-infiltrating immune cells which opens the possibility to the rationale for immunotherapy treatments. This webinar will provide an overview of immunotherapy with some examples of studies exploring single agent versus combination of therapy in GIST. \n\nIf you have questions about this presentation\nor about registration\, please contact:\nSara Rothschild\, VP Program Services\, srothschild@liferaftgroup.org\nREGISTEROur Presenters\n\nJonathan Trent\, MD\nDirector\, Sarcoma Oncology\nSylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center\nMiami\, Florida \nDr. Trent is currently the Associate Director for Clinical Research\, the Director of the Bone and Soft-tissue Sarcoma Group at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Trent’s interests are in the clinical and translational research of sarcomas\, direct care of sarcoma patients\, and education about sarcoma. As Associate Director for Clinical Research\, his goal is to help Sylvester Faculty develop clinical trials that provide clinically effective and scientifically exciting therapy to cancer patients of South Florida and beyond. The major focus of his clinical\, educational and research efforts are with gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)\, chondrosarcoma\, and other sarcomas. The major efforts of Dr. Trent’s research focus on understanding the mechanisms of action and resistance of imatinib in GIST and other sarcomas while striving toward improved therapeutic options. His work involves the use of novel preoperative/postoperative clinical trials\, prospectively acquired tumor tissue\, cell lines\, archival tissue\, as well as collaborations with disciplines such as the genomics facility\, surgical oncology\, pathology\, radiology and interventional radiology. \nJunaid Arshad\, MD\nAssistant Professor & Clinical Scholar\nUniversity of Arizona Cancer Center\nTucson\, Arizona\n \nDr. Arshad finished his medical degree from King Edward Medical University\, Lahore Pakistan. He relocated to the United States in 2013 and worked as a research volunteer at Wayne State University\, Detroit. After completing his internal medicine residency training from St. Mary’s Hospital Waterbury\, CT\, he moved to University of Miami for his hematology and medical oncology fellowship. \nDr. Arshad developed interest in Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) after working with Dr. Jonathan Trent who was also his mentor at the University of Miami. Dr. Arshad has published several peer reviewed publications focusing on the use of ctDNA in GIST. Currently Dr. Arshad is working as an Assistant Professor at University of Arizona Cancer Center in the field of GI Medical Oncology focusing on the GIST and Upper GI cancers. \nArun Singh\, MD\nOncologist\, Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Medical Oncology\nUniversity of California Los Angeles Medical Center\nSan Monica\, California\n \nDr. Singh is an associate professor in the Department of Medicine\, Division of Hematology/Oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine UCLA. Dr Singh is a hematologist and medical oncologist whose practice focuses on the treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Dr Singh’s research focus is on developing novel therapies for patients with sarcomas. In the preclinical setting\, he works on elucidating the mechanisms contributing to the promotion of growth in cancer cells and optimizing the use of targeted therapy in specific sarcoma subtypes. The insights gained from these efforts are then translated into the clinic in the form of new drugs in early stage phase 1 and 2 clinical trials for sarcomas where there is an unmet clinical need. \nRonald DeMatteo\, MD\, FACS\nSurgeon\, Endocrinology and Oncology\nPenn Medicine\nPhiladelphia\, Pennsylvania \nDr. DeMatteo is the Chairman of the Department of Surgery and a Surgical Oncologist who specializes in treating diseases of the liver\, bile duct\, gallbladder\, pancreas and abdominal sarcomas (GIST). His clinical research has focused on liver\, bile duct\, gallbladder\, and pancreas cancers. In addition\, he has led several national trials testing the benefit of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) following surgery for gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST)\, a tumor that usually begins in the stomach or intestine. In the laboratory he and his colleagues study the immune environment of the liver and tumor immunology\, working to develop immune therapies to help prevent tumors from returning after surgery. \nThank you to our sponsors!
URL:https://liferaftgroup.org/event/immunotherapy-and-gist/
CATEGORIES:Events,Research
ORGANIZER;CN="Sara Rothschild":MAILTO:srothschild@liferaftgroup.org
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END:VCALENDAR