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:
PATIENT
Leverage patient perspective to drive innovative solutions in cancer research.
POWERED
Educate and empower patients to take a larger role in their care.
SCIENCE
Accelerate research outcomes through collaborative efforts.
FOR LIFE
Increase access to effective treatments worldwide.
Real World Evidence In Action
Traditional models for cancer research have resulted in many breakthrough treatments for patients, but it is not enough. The LRG’s approach to GIST research through real world evidence, relies on timely, accurate data from the patient’s perspective, with patient survival as the primary objective.
RECENT LRG DATA
Did you know that GIST is actually a family of cancers? Learn more about the science of GIST.
Update your Patient Registry Info.
Join The Life Raft Group.
Current GIST Clinical Trials.
Search the GIST Specialist Database.
Dr. Monica Anderson
Diagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.
Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-deficient) GIST.
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
DOG1 Gene and GIST – What is the Relationship?
Jonathan Fletcher and Sebastian Bauer of the LRG’s 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.
Who’s laughing now? Actress Mo Collins uses humor in her battle with GIST
Mo Collins is not your typical actress/comedienne, because Mo Collins is a GIST survivor. Keep reading to learn more about Mo Collins and her fight against GIST. Mo is using this gift in a very selfless way by organizing a comedy fundraiser for the Life Raft Group and GIST research.
Stivarga becomes first FDA-approved third-line drug treatment for GIST
The Food and Drug Administration, in a much-anticipated announcement for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor patients, approved Bayer Pharmaceutical’s drug, Stivarga, for use as a third-line treatment for advanced GIST in February.
Keep up with the latest news, events, and opportunities to help.
To contact The Life Raft Group, please call 973-837-9092
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