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
Imatinib Plasma Levels Revisited – An editorial post by Jerry Call
Since we have gotten a number of questions about Gleevec (imatinib) plasma levels and testing, I think it’s time to revisit the subject, especially for newer members. Since this is a very complex subject, this may take a few emails and a few days.
Sutent – What to Expect When You Begin
Sutent is the second-line approved treatment for Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and is prescribed when treatment with the first-line drug, Gleevec (Imatinib) is [...]
Phase II SARC-022 IGF-1R Trial Currently Recruiting and Planning to Add New Sites
The Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is currently recruiting patients for its [...]
Sutent Treatment Use Trial Results
Patients with GIST who received sunitinib using a flexible dose approach to manage adverse events remained on treatment longer than those who received the strict dose/schedule and exhibited better clinical outcomes (longer time to tumor progression and longer overall survival).
Stivarga Side Effects
Stivarga comes in 40 mg tablets. Once opened, it must be used within 28 days. Stivarga must be stored in the bottle that it comes in, the desiccant must remain in the bottle; keep bottle tightly sealed. Do not store in a daily or weekly pill box.
Clinical Trials Database Explained
You may not have noticed, but the clinical trials section of the website has changed dramatically in the last month. This section of the website is now database-driven and has a lot more information.
New Immunotherapy Approach Advances
The new treatment uses T cells, a type of immune cell that are taken from the patient’s body, genetically modified and then reinfused into the patient. These modified T cells are called chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells. In previous trials with these modified T cells, tumor responses have been modest and they did not persist for long enough after being re-introduced into the patient. Using this second generation CAR T cell, Dr. Carl June and his colleagues at Penn obtained long-lasting persistence once the cells were re-introduced.
Countdown to Election Day
Here is a handy snapshot of how the proposed affordable care act impacts GIST patients.
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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