The Life Raft Group is committed to enhancing the survival and quality of life for people living with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), and other rare diseases, through patient-powered research, education and empowerment, and global advocacy efforts.
Other Programs Supported by The Life Raft Group:
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRGβs approach to GIST research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patientβs perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
HELP US SAVE LIVES
The Life Raft Group is a community and it is up to all of us to make a difference. There are many ways to help. We always need patient tissue and data in our GIST patient registry. Volunteering your time or making a monetary donation also helps us drive research forward and save lives.
News
Indian Generic Drug Quality Questioned by FDA and U.S. Doctors
Indian generic drug quality has been questioned recently by a number of U.S. doctors. The concern stems from FDA recalls and import bans.
Trial Finds that Adjuvant Imatinib Impacts Recurrence-Free Survival
A recent clinical trial found that 1 year of adjuvant imatinib was able to increase recurrence-free survival. Keep reading to learn more.
Imatinib Rechallenge Impacts GIST Survival Rate
A recent nonrandomized study has shown that imatinib rechallenge impacted the survival rate for patients with advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
The GIST Cancer Journal Arrives
The Life Raft Group is pleased to announce the release of the first issue of The GIST Cancer Journal, the official journal of the Life Raft Group and the first academic journal devoted solely to GIST.
Drugs being Reconsidered to help Fight GIST
The LRG helped fund research by theΒ University of Pittsburgh Cancer InstituteΒ (UPCI) toΒ screen a library of FDA-approved anticancer drugs that previously wouldnβt have [...]
New Treatments on the Horizon for GIST?
There are two new treatments that may have an impact on fighting GIST β immunotherapy and MRI-guided radiation. The LRG is continually looking into new treatments for GIST.
Jim Mills shares his journey with GIST
In 2006, GIST patient Jim Mills was generous enough to share his GIST journey to the Life Raft Group.
Tamara Taggart: Cancer cover girl
Tamara Taggart is the cover girl for a British Columbia (BC) magazine that debuted last month.






























