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
Dr. Gina D’Amato Discusses Liquid Biopsy
Dr. Gina D'Amato, who appeared recently as moderator and contributor for the first Women in Sarcoma discussion panel, recorded a video discussing the use of liquid biopsy in sarcoma on OncTV for OncLive.
Pruebas genéticas costo efectivas para GIST recién diagnosticados
En un artículo publicado el 29 de septiembre de 2020 en la revista “JAMA Network Open”, Dr. Jason Sicklick, Moores Cancer Center, UCSD y sus colegas informaron que las pruebas genéticas son costo efectivas y beneficiosas para los pacientes recién diagnosticados con GIST metastásico.
The LRG and NIH Collaborate on Virtual Tumor Boards to Review Challenging Cases
In this issue of LRG Science, we highlight the power of collaboration in medicine with a recap of the Virtual Tumor Board co-hosted with the NIH. Due to the pandemic, The Life Raft Group was asked to organize a Virtual Tumor Board to assure that challenging cases were presented in order to help the patients and their treating physicians develop an effective treatment plan.
Patient of the Month for October: William Wenzel
Each member has a unique story, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of one facing the challenge of GIST. William Wenzel shares his story.
Flu Season 2020
Fall is finally here, and with it comes the onset of flu season. The flu is a difficult illness for everyone, but for cancer patients, it can be devastating. It is especially challenging in this year that has already taxed everyone with the uncertainty of COVID-19.
Outreach & Engagement Update – September
This is the monthly update for the LRG Outreach & Engagement Department, detailing events for October and volunteer positions available.
Genetic Testing Cost Effective for Newly Diagnosed GIST
UC San Diego Health released a post today titled, "Genetic Testing Cost Effective for Newly Diagnosed GIST" discussing a new paper published in JAMA Network Open by Moores Cancer Center's Dr. Jason Sicklick and colleagues which covered genetic testing for GIST patients.
The Life Raft Group Announces Collaboration with OHSU on GIST Tissue Bank
In this issue of LRG Science, we release breaking news of our newest collaboration - with OHSU on the GIST Collaborative Tissue Bank. The LRG has a unique patient registry with over 2,000 members and this collaboration is an important example of the vital role patient advocacy groups and academic institutions play in bridging the gap between researchers and motivated patient populations who want to share their clinical histories and tissue to create new treatments and better outcomes.
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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