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
LRG Research Team identifies critical role of CDC37 in GIST tumors
Adrian MariΓ±o-Enriquez explains the significance of a recently published study that will have a big impact on GIST research. Keep reading to learn the critical role of CDC37 in GIST tumors.
Journal Your Way to Better Health – Why Journaling Benefits Cancer Patients!
Journal your way to better health. Keeping a journal is a great way to help you during your fight against GIST. Read more about the benefits and types of journaling.
DOG1 Gene and GIST – What is the Relationship?
Jonathan Fletcher and Sebastian Bauer of the LRGβs Research Team were among the authors in a study to be published in Cancer Research that examined the relationship between GIST and the expression of the gene DOG1.
Personalized Medicine – Another Look
The issue of personalized medicine, also referred to as "precision medicine" in the article, was addressed in a newsletter article by LRG Executive Director Norman Scherzer in February. We hope to follow up with more articles on the topic soon.
It Will Take Not One Hero but Many: Collaborating for a Cure
Time magazine this month published an in-depth look at how collaboration is beginning to change the way cancer research is approached, citing numerous examples of the effectiveness of scientists working together to find a cure.
New Blood Test Technology May Impact GIST Treatment
A new blood test technology may lead to major changes in treatment of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors. Keep reading for more information.
The LRG Responds To Recent Patent Protection Rulings
Following recent coverage on patent protection rulings in India, Life Raft Group Executive Director, Norman Scherzer comments on what this might mean for cancer patients worldwide.
Research Team Meets in New Jersey
The LRG research team meets four times a year, with at least one in-person meeting per year. This year, the team held its in-person meeting at the LRG office in New Jersey March 22-24, 2013.




























